Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary (John O'Leary)

So many of us are experts at identifying what is wrong in the world, aren't we?

What sets today's guest apart is that he didn't just identify what was wrong in his industry, he created a solution to the problem... and built a business around it.

I am so inspired by Daniel Silverstein, who you'll know as "Zero Waste Daniel" after our conversation today.

I'm thrilled to share with you, during New York Fashion Week and fashion "season" around the world, a man who is adding an inspired twist to the industry.

SHOW NOTES: 

• Every piece of clothing made in a factory (which is most of the clothing we wear) had to be cut out of a sheet of fabric. The leftovers scraps end up in landfills. I created Zero Waste Daniel to use these scraps + create articles that are less wasteful.
• I was a very active kid, with ADD and a wild imagination. My family recognized this and helped me channel it.
  
  
• I had a lot of interests and mannerisms that set me apart from my peers in rural Pennsylvania. Incredible mother figures encouraged me as I tried to make sense of why I was drawn to design and a little different from everyone else.
  
  
• I interned with fashion giants Carolina Herrera and Carmen Mark Valvo. Then I got my first job designing sweaters for a big catalog company. As I learned about the cost we pay as companies and as consumers for fabric that gets thrown away: I realized it was a broken system resulting in catastrophic waste; 14 million tons in the US annually.
  
  
• It's both a volume issue: Where do we put all of this waste? and an issue of opportunity: We are reaping finite resources from the earth and not using all of them.
  
  
• There comes a point in your life when you have to decide to do things for yourself.
  
  
• My zero-waste vision came in 2010. I tried many iterations until 2017 when, finally, I created a business model that worked. Zero Waste Daniel Make / Shop in Brooklyn:
  • Pick out the discarded fabric scraps you like + then watch my team make your shirt on the spot. This also helps you understand why a shirt is $50.
    
    
• Combat consumerism: Focus on need v. want. If you want something, ask yourself: How do I it at low impact?
  
  
• The Zero Waste Blog Daniel references: Trash is for Tossers
  
  
• There are many new designers and large designers coming to us now to help them cut their waste, too. There's a chance to reach everyone and inspire change: If it comes from consumers up and business downs, we'll all meet in the middle eventually.
  
  
• Whether or not you're into fashion, everyone wears clothes so it pertains to you.
  
•  Always do your best. It isn't the same every single day. But if you just try your best, you have nothing to regret.
  
  
• It doesn't matter what industry you're in, every industry has problems. Ask yourself WHY NOT ME - why can't I make the needed change. The day I asked WHY NOT ME, my whole life changed.

DANIEL SILVERSTIEN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? My mom gave me The Big Book of Small Business and I keep it on my bedside table.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? I would invest in businesses that want to make change.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? One of my grandmother's paintings. At 60, she survived breast cancer and had her "Why not me?" moment. She learned to paint and has created 100s of pieces now in houses across the country.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Cristobal Balenciaga an amazing designer interested in crafting new shapes and thinking outside the human form. 

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? The harder you work the luckier you get.

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Just keep going.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? He was a kind honest and genuine person who always did his best. 

*** 

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning 

"Don't forget what you learned in the light."

Matt Manzari was a professional athlete sponsored by NIKE and traveling the world all by the age of 15. It seemed like everything was going according to plan and he had his path laid out before him. Until Matt felt a calling to ministry and suffered a horrible accident while competing. But his biggest challenge still laid ahead of him. 

While trimming trees at a church, a power line arched over the metal bucket Matt was working in, sending 12,000 volts of electricity through his body. The electricity caused 4th and 5th-degree burns, which melted the skin off of most of his chest and arms. The burn went deep enough to kill muscle and bone.

Yet, Matt is a survivor. He teaches us that at the top, it can still feel empty and through tragedy, we can find salvation. 

Today, Matt joins us to share his story of faith, family, struggles and going all in on life.

SHOW NOTES: 

• Matt has two kids, Justice & Trig and wife Bobby Jean. He went to University in Tennessee to become a Minister. 
• He is currently working on a book. The working title is, "Unfair God."
• "If we would just look beyond our walls, we would see the creator of it all. You."
• "We create walls around us and we can't see beyond them. We build walls for many reasons, mostly fear. Beyond the Burn. Everybody is broken. Everyone is facing challenges. Look beyond our walls."
• Doctors told Matt that the amount of electricity that went through him was equivalent to being strapped to 6 electric chairs.
• "We live in a broken world, but one day we will have salvation."
• Matt encourages people to start "choosing to be more than anyone else is telling you is possible."

MATT MANZARI'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell & Think and Grow Rich by Napolean Hill. 

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? I love digging wells. I work with World Vision. I'd give some to them. Buy a classic truck. Lastly, I've always wanted to build a rehab center. Lost my leg but gained my life. 

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? My first reaction would be "let it burn." After that...my dad's tools.  

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Anne Frank. "How did she do it?"

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? The difference between good and great isn't much. But there is a difference. Also, "find out what it is in this world that breaks your heart and spend the rest of your life trying to fix that."  

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Remember when we were little kids and you would hear something in the room and go flip the lights on and see that everything is fine and there's nothing there. Then you turn the light off and get back into bed. Pretty soon your mind starts playing tricks on you again. In the darkness you forget what you learned in the light. What's planned is bigger than you can imagine, so just hold on. 

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?  Matt went all in. 

*** 

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

Have you ever thought about how much your thoughts, beliefs, and emotions influence your days, health and ability to heal?

From years spent studying cutting edge science, ancient medicine, and spiritual practices, Kelly Noonan Gores has discovered that we have far more control over our well-being, health + life than we tend to believe. Her documentary Heal, streaming on Netflix, was so popular, it was recently turned into a book.

Today, Kelly joins us to share how to choose love over fear + gives concrete tips on how to make strides in your personal wellness journey.

SHOW NOTES:

• The teachings of Bruce Lipton, Deepak Chopra, Marianne Williamson, among others inspired Kelly to create the documentary and book Heal.
• While dealing with depression in college, Kelly was given Marianne Willamson's book A Return to Love which guided her in finding a grounding force. 
• Fear + love: Kelly sees fear every day but has spiritual practices to avoid being taken over by fear.
• "You do not have to be a victim to your genes."
• Epigenetics: Our DNA is a blueprint and our lifestyle choices are the triggers that turn on or off our genes. 
• Chemical, emotional + physical stress has an incredible impact on our health.
• Kelly reduces stress in her life by practicing meditation, earthing/grounding, and gratitude. 
• Placebo Effect: when we have a belief or expectation that something is going to help us 50-75% is has a positive effect.
• Grammy-winning singer John Legend performed All of Me at her wedding. 
• Watch Kelly Noonan Gores' documentary Heal on Netflix.
• Get Kelly Noonan Gores' book Heal: Discover Your Unlimited Potential and Awaken the Powerful Healer Within here.

If you enjoyed hearing about how your environment can have an effect on your health, you'll love my conversation with Dr. Kelli Harding. Kelli shares her groundbreaking research + the importance of treating others with kindness on ep. 180.

KELLY NOONAN GORES' LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I was sassy + witty. I still have a quick wit but I've toned down the sass.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Old photo albums from the 1970s + 1980s.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Jesus and I'd ask him, "please tell me everything. Can you tell me everything?"

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Remembering that the universe, or God, has your back.

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Anything is possible and follow your heart. In every oak tree, there is an acorn.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? She took the leap, she was terrified on the way down, but she had a lot of fun along the way.

***

Did you enjoy today's episode? Share it with your friends! Then subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts.

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment as I share this timely poem.

May you know love.

The kind that makes you better,

that challenges you to grow.

Walk in loving kindness and you will feel the invisible tether that connects us all.

May you live a life of purpose.

Seek knowledge from young and old.

Different and same, gentle and sharp.

Live with your eyes wide open.

See the beauty, the goodness, the miracles but also the struggle.

Dare yourself to make a difference in the world.

May you notice divinity in unlikely places.

May you stand in awe of the world around you.

And find wisdom in both the sunshine and the rain.

Pause. Breath. Listen.

The trees will tell you secrets if you let them. Let them.

- Unknown

***

My new book IN AWE is now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today! 

***

Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram+ get his Monday Motivation email.

"You must be present to win. To win in your relationships at work and at home - you must be present."

Bestselling author of Nice Bike, phenomenal leadership guru and longtime speaker, Mark Scharenbroich is going to school us on how to connect more effectively with people AND: remind us the importance of doing it.

SHOW NOTES:

• My shop teacher, Leroy, had a big influence on me. One day he asked how I was doing. I said fine. He said, did you think that through? Fine? Is that the kind of life you want to live? He said ask me how I'm doing. I'm GREAT. Great is something to strive for. That's the direction I'm going. 
• God gave each of us a gift. It's our job to discover it and use it for good.
• On not so good days I still say "I'm great" and in my head I add "ful" - grateful.
• If you see something say something. When people go out of their way to help, say something; thank them. 
• The right moment to tell someone they've had an impact on your life is right now. 
• Acknowledge, honor, connect. Acknowledge means be fully present. Honor means create rich experiences for others both large and small. Connect means make it personal.
• You must be present to win. To win with friends, family or coworkers: The people in front of you have to be more important than someone on a screen far away.
• Giving just a little more than you take is honoring other people.
• Treat each night like its your first and each day likes its your last.
• If you're waiting for the perfect day or moment, it's not coming. As long as you are here, be grateful, take time out, embrace those around you, see their value, be interested in whats happening. That's engagement and having an impact. 
• Order Mark's book NICE BIKE.

MARK SCHARENBROICH'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? D Day, Steven Ambrose. It inspired me more than anything else and taught me what true leadership is.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. Franciscan Sisters of the Holy Spirit. Create a really cool fishing experience for me and my wife. Then impact some lives; act as an anonymous guardian angel stepping in to give money. 

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. Winning log book - been fishing with the same guys for 40 years. I've logged each trip in that book. 

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Abraham Lincoln, I love his heart, mind, courage, self doubt, wisdom. 

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Never forget a friend and never let a friend forget you, friends are an investment you have to make. Invest in those around you and don't take it for granted.

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Have more confidence. Believe that your core convictions are true and you can count on them. Take more risks then you think you are capable. To thine own heart be true. 

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? He taught us how to live the greatest days of our lives so far.

 ***

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"Coaching is a vocation to reach men who need to be reached."

His Dad left when he was 4. His Mom's 4th husband shot at him when he was 17. Bill Courtney didn't have male role models at home, but he found them on the field and in the classroom.

Today, Bill is a business owner, husband and father who believes: Giving back isn't something nice to do. It is a responsibility. 

Bill chose to coach football in an impoverished North Memphis High School for a team that had won 4 games in 10 years. Through the tenants of love, consistency and self-assurance, he turned the team - and many lives - around.

This story won the Oscar for Best Documentary in 2011 for UNDEFEATED. I recently watched this movie with my wife and we were both so moved I knew I needed to get Bill on the show to share his story with you. Here we go!

SHOW NOTES:

• Growing up, I tried to figure out what was wrong with me "since my father didn't want me." It manifested into me doing things to prove I was worthy.
• In Undefeated, you see all of these fatherless kids and the destructive behaviors they had, I totally get it. I identify far more with them than you'd think. I look like a white, wealthy business owner.
• North Memphis was a bustling blue-collar town. In 1968, Martin Luther King was shot 5 miles south. Memphis fell apart; big companies and industries left. Today, your on your 3rd generation of loss and hopelessness.
• An 18-year-old man from North Memphis is 3 xs more likely to be dead or incarcerate by 21 than in college.
• These kids had suffered so much. All they were looking for was some consistency from somebody. It was a great opportunity to give them their basic needs: Love, self-assurance and consistency. 
• During Bill's tenure: 19 players turned to 75; 35 of their 36 seniors in the last two seasons went to college; they had a strong winning record.
• "We stayed consistent on the tenants that matter in a meaningful life. Even those with the biggest challenges found success with this consistent focus."
• You have to love despite not 'because of' and you have to hold them accountable. Then you start seeing changes.
• Watch the Undefeated trailer.
• Read Bill's book Against the Grain
• Undefeated is not about wins and losses, its about not being defeated by your circumstances.
• Every single day is an opportunity. We all have struggles. But everyday the sun comes up is an opportunity to get it right.
• Character is not about how you handle your successes, its about how you handle your failures.
• Look in the mirror and say: I have a chance tomorrow to make it better. The only thing you can control are the remaining days of your life. It' the only thing that matters.
• Seize the opportunity. You get it every day.
• Motive matters. Don't be a fraud.
• Accolades, money and trophies are not a proper foundation. Service, leadership, character, selflessness, commitment that's a proper foundation. When you have it, you can handle all the the blessings that come your way.
• www.Coach bill Courtney.com

BILL COURTNEY'S LIVE INSIPRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do? I would pay off all the debt in my business and home. I'd create a trust for my kids so they'd have a good start but still have to work. Donate the rest to worthy causes.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? My wedding ring.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Christ. I would have him explain a couple things. I would talk about Romans 8 and 9. I would talk about how come so much science and so much theology agree and then so much of it also disagrees. I would ask him to explain why the social ills we are facing today are in such contrast to so many of the natural feelings we have as human beings.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Don't tell people what they want to hear, tell them the truth, tell them what you are going to do and do it.

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? don't try so hard to prove yourself to other people.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? Through the grace He's shown me, I've done my best to offer grace to others. 

***

Live Inspired – IN STUDIO: Registration is now open through May 8 - don't miss it:  Learn more: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/In-Studio

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast anywhere you get your podcasts.

I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segment.

Today's question was submitted by Live Inspired community member Mike M. 

Mike M. asked: It seems like our world is in turmoil every time I turn around! What can I do to help ease the turmoil AND my nerves about the world we live in?

Tune in to hear my answer.

If you have questions or want to share how the Live Inspired Podcast has impacted your life, send them to me and my team at podcast@johnolearyinspires.com. Can't wait to hear from you!

***

Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Dr. Margaret Rutherford is a clinical psychologist, author and host of The SelfWork Podcast. She focuses on helping others lead healthier mental and emotional lives.

Today, Dr. Margaret shares how living through her “lost decade” taught her resilience, hope and the transformational power of being more transparent with one another. Known for coining the term “perfectly hidden depression”, Dr. Margaret also shares how to break free from the cage of perfectionism and quiet our critical inner voice.

My friends, this conversation is about more than leading healthy mental and emotions lives… it’s about embracing the gift of life in all its shades.

Read more at https://johnoleary.libsyn.com/#8PPjbxkThy1rvcs5.99

Jeremy Cowart is the most influential photographer on the internet by Huffington Post. His photographs of Sting, the Obamas and Taylor Swift are fantastic, but what’s truly remarkable is how he’s using his photography for social good through programs like Help-Portrait and Voices of Reconciliations. 

As a speaker + author, Jeremey shares his journey from “normal, quiet kid” to internet fame by “exploring the intersection of creativity and empathy” through photography. He has spoken for the United Nations, TEDx and today – for us.

 Jeremy is a creative entrepreneur making real, sustainable change. If you’d like to be reminded of the power one person has to change the world, don’t miss this conversation.

SHOW NOTES

• "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" - Philippians 4:13 was a running theme in his life, taught by his parents.
• Stay curious + jump into fear: Take safe risks. Jeremy shares that he took advantage of an opportunity to get a now-iconic portrait of Sting.
• In addition to photographing celebrities, Jeremy's philanthropic projects include:
  • Help-Portrait: a global movement to give, not take, pictures of people who otherwise couldn’t afford photography, a chance to capture a moment, a memory + a whole lot more.
  • Voices of Haiti: After hearing endless media reports on the "devastation", Jeremy's photo essay wanted to capture individual people + their stories from the 2010 earthquake.
  • Voices of Reconciliation: project showing survivors + perpetrators of genocide who have reconciled and are living life together peacefully in the same community.
  • The Poza Project: Through art therapy, rescued child soldiers and children orphaned by war share the pain of their past + dreams of their future.
  • The Purpose Hotel: a 250-hotel to be built in Nashville, TN where everything from soap to internet fees are connected to a cause or non-profit, allowing guests to "change the world in your sleep".
• In addition to needing humanitarian organization, Jeremy shares that we need new, creative ideas to rebuild after a disaster. 
• Leave a legacy of knowledge. Learn more about Jeremy's See University here.
• Ideas lead to ideas: If you're too afraid to pursue your first idea, you might be prohibiting a lifetime of ideas.
• Get Jeremy's latest book I'm Possible: Jumping into Fear and Discovering a Life of Purpose here.

If Jeremy's humanitarian efforts inspired you, you'll enjoy Live Inspired Podcast guest and charity: water founder Scott Harrison on ep. 104. Get ideas on how to serve others with Live Inspired guest Tom Logan and the Marion Medical Mission on ep. 96.

JEREMY COWART'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The War of Art by Steven Pressfield.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Confidence.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? My hard drive. My life's work is on my hard drive. I don't want to lose all the things I've created in the last few decades.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Outside of Jesus himself. A lot of artists like Jean-Michel Basquiat, Billy Graham, Bono, and Pablo Picasso.  

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? A friend of mine told me I should quit my job and work for myself. Then two years later he said I should buy a camera and start shooting. In addition to my dad and Philippians 4:13.

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't be afraid. You got to go for it. You've got a lot of ideas and a lot of creativity. Just believe in yourself. Even if you fail, you're still going to learn.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? He made the world just a little bit better.

***

Did you enjoy today's episode? Subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts!

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Jimmie James is a radiant symbol of possibility.

Born into poverty in 1959 in the Jim Crow South, Jimmie was one of eight children raised by a devoted single mother. From humble beginnings, he was determined to shatter every expectation by being the first person in his circle to graduate from high school.

This dream was only the beginning as he then soared through college and launched into a transformative 33-year career at ExxonMobil. His climb from an entry-level engineer to a globe-trotting executive proved that where you start doesn’t dictate where you end up. And as he transitioned into retirement, Jimmie laced up his golf shoes and set out on a new adventure—playing all of Golf Digest's Top 100 golf courses in America within a single year.

Today, Jimmie shares his remarkable journey as he teaches us about persistence, unshakable determination, breaking barriers, and the power of chasing our dreams.

My friends, this conversation is about more than golf or overcoming adversity. It’s a beautiful reminder to keep swinging, keep dreaming and keep believing that anything is possible.

It has long been an axiom of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important.” -Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

What are you most looking forward to this season of summer?

Big moments worthy of celebrating, indeed. Yet, as we step into this season of summer and further down the path through life, recognize the gift of the ordinary.

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moments” segments.

Today's question was submitted by Live Inspired community member Michael S. 

Michael S. asked: I am struggling to connect with my 16-year-old daughter. Any advice on a good book to read?

Beneath that snarky teenage attitude, remains your little girl, desperately seeking approval, figuring out who she is, what matters to her, how she best fits in and how she can push the boundaries as far as possible. 

Rather than providing a single book, I’d consider checking out any of the following ranging from very conservative to a bit more liberal, and from books for dads to one from a mother’s perspective:

• Be the Dad She Needs by Kevin Leman
• Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Meg Meeker
• Dial down the Drama by Collen O'Grady
• But Dad! (Gross) by Margaret E. Gross

If you have questions or want to share how the Live Inspired Podcast has impacted your life, send them to me and my team at podcast@johnolearyinspires.com. Can't wait to hear from you!

***

Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Life, like the weather, is hard to predict.

In a marketplace addicted to the 24/7 connectivity through cable news or social media feeds, consider taking a break that will free you to control the things you can, let go of what you can’t and celebrate the unexpected along the way.

We too often confuse knowledge with wisdom and conflate someone else telling us what matters with embracing the things that actually do.

***

Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy with my instant #1 bestseller IN AWE. Visit ReadInAwe.com today! 

***

Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. 

If you don't have motors in your life and you do have anchors, the anchors are going to pull you down and drown you. Be around positive people that pull you up and plant positivity, not fear.

Jill Blashack Strahan shared this when reflecting on how she found significance and success as Founder & CEO of Tastefully Simple, despite experiencing tragic loss when her spouse and two brothers died much too early in life. 

As a speaker, Jill often asks her audiences to "Think back to a time when you have been filled with fear. Did you get through it? Do you believe you are stronger because of it?"

She continues by sharing her personal story as a mirror: "I tell them, I've been there. I made it through. You can make it through too."

You are going to love hearing from my dear friend, client & author. From simple joys growing up on a dairy farm in Minnesota to the wisdom her grandmother continues to share today through books she recommended decades ago: Jill's story will remind you that you were put on this earth to shine.

My Main Takeaways: 

• What Jill learned from falling in love with an alcoholic and joining the Al-Anon community: Let go go of behavior with love. We love the person, hate the behavior. These ideas were key in shaping my life.
• The Serenity Prayer helped Jill to not be reactive and stay centered during the hardest times in her life.
• Jill's wild success ($14k annually to $100+ million in 8 years) is tied in part to her objective: "To help people become more of who they are."
• Fear is about what we're thinking. Thoughts control emotions. Emotions control actions. Don't get caught up in fear.
• We say 'why me' when bad things happen, but why not say 'why not me'? What makes me so special?
• If you don't have motors in your life and you have anchors, they are going to pull you down and drown you. Be around positive people that pull you up and plant positivity, not fear.
• Whatever is given to you is meant to be a gift in some way, it's not a way to hurt you or pull you down or destroy you.
• Fear is a gatekeeper to strength always. 
• Business is about ebb and flow and finding the "new right answer." I have learned so much in the last two years, we changed our paradigm, from home tasting parties to one-to-one & online channels. 
• Order your copy of Jill's book Simply Shine here.
• Learn more about having Jill speak here.
• Setting goals & creating a game plan is critically important. Jill never made more than $14,000 a year and was working out of her shed when she launched Tastefully Simple. Within 5 years, her business was worth $11.8 million. Her SMART goal had been $11 million in 5 years
• Life is a learning process. "We learned as we went along and reserved the right to get smarter and build trust with people. We promised we would deliver something excellent, but acknowledged we may stumble along the way to getting it right. The team approach was huge. It took the pressure off of people as they joined us - we didn't have to be perfect." 

JILL BLASHACK STRAHAN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach was significant for me. Today We Are Rich by Tim Sanders was another that was very timely for me.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do? I would give a lot that money away. Tastefully Simple has financially afforded me much in life. I would definitely want to build a park in little Villard, MN.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Old photos that I don't have digitally. Especially so that my son Zach would have them, memories of his dad.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? It would be my Grandma Aida who gave me the books I mentioned. She was very well read and very understated. She was not one who espoused her intelligence, but I would love to know more about her perspective on life and our family dynamics.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Always go least to most, if you give too much and take away people lose trust. When in doubt do without.

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? I would make sure that I knew the Maryann Williamson quote about worthiness and I would make sure that I knew that I am worthy and that God expects me to shine. That's one of the best things that shifted my thinking in my mid 30s. We are here to shine, not to feel unworthy.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? She helped people shine and become more of who they are. 

***

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (to automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast anywhere you get your podcasts.

I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook & Twitter and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

As a singer-songwriter and musician, Colton Dixon – who appeared on season 11 of American Idol – turns personal truths, stories and experiences into universal anthems.

Recently nominated for the GMA Dove Song of the Year for his massive hit “Build a Boat,” Colton joins us to share his journey of faith, family and discovering his true calling.

Today, Colton helps us get into the holiday spirit with his beautiful original track “Home For Christmas”, bringing a modern, whimsical feel to the meaning of being home for Christmas.

My friends, join me in celebrating this life-giving man who will leave you inspired and full of hope.

As we're in the midst of the storm! COVID-19, economic recession, social unrest and injustices and yet...

Today's guest is a welcomed reminder of the special people continuing to do extraordinary things every day. Dr. Art McCoy's radical yet practical intervention as Superintendent has transformed his district from a “dropout factory” to a 100% graduation rate

This inspiring conversation will spark unity + offer you concrete ways to be a change agent in your community.

SHOW NOTES:

• Through his parent's adversity, Art learned the importance of hard work, humility and perseverance. 
• "Your pain becomes your springboard for your purpose."
• In less than 2 decades, Jennings, a city in North St. Louis, MO, experienced white flight, was taken over of mediocrity, ignorance and apathy and its school faced losing accreditation.
• In the last decade, Art has worked as the school superintendent to reverse his hometown and establish enlightenment, empowerment and engagement.
• Dropout factory in a promise zone: When Art started as a superintendent, homelessness, teenage pregnancy birthrates, highschool dropouts and unemployment were at all-time highs.
• In an effort to reverse the statistics of the failing district, Art started a radical reinvention throughout the entire system including parents, teachers and pre-K students.
• "Hope is your superpower. The second you get destroyed by hopelessness is when  you're tricked by the enemy or yourself." 
• Art shares the heartwarming story of how a Somalian refugee learned to shed his darkness and bring the hope of life.
• Every kid + every person wants the three S's: Be seen, supported, affirmed to know they are sufficient.
• Moving beyond the need to create centers of engagement: To overcome societal deficits, Jennings offers two health-based clinics that covering mental + physical wellbeing, immunizations + dental work, homeless shelters and grocery stores.
• How Michael Brown death sparked change:
  • His sister Deja Brown led a protest to connect + build relationships with local law enforcement.
  • His mother Lezley McFadden partnered with Art and local law enforcement to launch a foundation in his memory.
• Through their College + Career Prep Academy, students partner with local law enforcement officers that mentor to enlighten, empower + engage change in the community.
• "No one needs fewer cops. We need better cops. We need cops that care about us. Many of them are good and you need to grow the good."
• How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.
• Give your mind, body + spirit, time + space to recharge.
• How can I be a change agent for good? Grow up, show up sometimes act up, love up and lift up.

DR. ART MCCOY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible, The Social Contract by Jean-Jacques Rousseau and The Road Less Traveled by Scott Peck.

[To learn more about privilege versus oppression + the journey of healing, Art recommends  Stamped from the Beginning by Ibram X. Kendi and Post Traumatic Slave Syndrome by Dr. Joy Degruy.]

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Courage to go bigger.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? A collage of my great, great, great grandmothers who were slaves.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Myself 10 minutes before death.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My brother's last words to me were "Keep doing what you're doing."

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Be faithful to what you know is true and follow your heart. Sometimes you have to go through it to grow through it.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? SAGES: Severing achievement gaps that exist in students + severing attainment gaps that exist in society.

***

My new book IN AWE is now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today! 

***

Did you enjoy today's episode? Share it with your friends! Then subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts.

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Studies show that Americans work longer hours and have more stress-related illnesses than their European and Japanese counterparts. 

Bucking this statistic Megan Hyatt Miller is chief executive officer at Michael Hyatt & Co., recently named a 2020 Best Workplace by Inc. Magazine, a ranking of American companies’employee engagement.

Megan and her father New York Times bestselling author + leadership expert Michael Hyatt wrote Win at Work and Succeed at Life to coach leaders through the principles that helped them rethink work and productivity to discover the "double win" —a perspective that sees work and life in partnership, not opposition. 

Today's conversation is full of practical tips that will help you break free from the cult of overwork. Join us to rebalance, reprioritize and reimagine what success looks like for you.

SHOW NOTES:

• "We either have regret or fear having regret."
• "We cannot do it all and have it all. What we can have and do are the most important things." To avoid being swept away by life's opportunities and challenges, Megan identifies nonnegotiables in self-care, her relationships and professional results.
• Double Win: a perspective that sees work and life in partnership, not opposition; producing excellent professional results while achieving significance in the 10 domains of life.
• Hustle Fallacy: doubling down during a particular busy period of work, never to return to "normal".
• Ambition Brake: Refrain from reaching full professional impact in fear of the Hustle Fallacy.
• “Breaking free from the cult of overwork requires interrupting the negative feedback loop with new and better ideas. That’s why we wrote Win at Work and Succeed at Life. We want to offer our fellow high achievers some of that hard-to-come-by common sense.” 
• Constraints foster productivity, creativity and freedom. As the global pandemic struck, Megan's team adopted a 6-hour work day. While reducing work time by about 25%, they've exceeded their profit goals by 50%.
• “Work is like water. It’s life-giving. It also flows wherever it can unless otherwise constrained. We need hard edges to access its life-giving properties."
• How to develop constraints in your life: Schedule what matters, turn off notifications on devices, establish boundaries with others, and empower loved ones to remind you when you're not living into your boundaries. 
• Megan refers to the mission-critical balance top-performing athletes like Tom Brady + Serena Williams must exhibit, reminding us that proper work-life balance is proven to produce positive results in both aspects.
• Make room for a profitable pause: A fulfilling, non-achievement hobby rejuvenates the mind and body, producing more engird and better ideas.
• Get a copy of Megan Hyatt Miller's Win at Work and Succeed at Life here.

MEGAN HYATT MILLER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

***

Join our Live Inspired Together community, text PODCAST2021 to 314-207-5010.

***

About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.

After the sudden death of her 12-year-old son Jack, Anna Whiston-Donaldson felt lonely, heavy with guilt and uncertain if she could ever be happy again.

Anna began to courageously share her family’s tragedy + the puzzling, unclear territory of grief in hopes of helping others, first through her blog and then her New York Times bestselling book Rare Bird and children’s book A Hug From Heaven. Writing has helped Anna find comfort + strength.
 
Today, Anna shares how to find hope within impossible circumstances, positive ways to cope with grief and support others navigating darkness. If you’re grieving a loss, or love someone who is, this conversation is for you.

SHOW NOTES:

• After Jack's death, Anna was unable to find resources for her grieving daughter Margaret. This inspired Anna to write children's book A Hug From Heaven. 
• While home from college, Anna's mother unexpectedly died from a brain hemorrhage and although she was the "heart of the home", her family was unsure how to process the grief.
• "When you have community around you, willing to acknowledge your loss, that helps strengthen you."
• Anna leaned into her faith as a way to be close to her mom.
• Isaiah 43: Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.
• "Life is full of "and". Sadness and joy."
• Helping others who are grieving: The most important thing Anna + her family received after Jack's death was acknowledgment of their grief.
• Fearing that Jack died alone, Anna met the paramedic that stayed with Jack until he was taken away from the scene, recalling the singing birds from the trees.
• Luke 1:37: For nothing is impossible with God.
• Against the odds, Anna unexpectedly finds out she's pregnant with a healthy boy named Andrew Luke.
• Anna's advice to those who feel hopeless: I made a concerted effort to let myself feel, acknowledge + live with pain. While that was happening, gratitude found it's way in. Real joy + real hope are possible in every circumstance.
• Get Anna Whiston-Donaldson's New York Times bestseller Rare Bird and her children's book A Hug From Heaven. 

ANNA WHISTON-DONALDSON'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? A Prayer for Owen Meany by John Irving.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Open to possibilities.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Nothing.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? My mom so I could acknowledge her as a wife + mom.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My mom told me, "Don't be afriad to leave anyone at the alter," because she's know's I'm a people-pleaser.

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Be more playful and don't take life so seriously. Relax.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? She loved + she didn't give up.

***

About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies. 

***

Pre-order your copy of IN AWE today to receive access to fun, interactive bonus features emailed to you in the lead-up to the book’s release! Visit ReadInAwe.com. 

***

Did you enjoy today's episode? Share it with your friends! Then subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts.

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Recently named by Forbes Magazine as one of twenty speakers you shouldn't miss, Jeff Henderson is an expert at taking the next right step when life is uncertain.

After leaving his marketing position at Chick-fil-A to start a church and nonprofit, and leaving his non-profit in the midst of a global pandemic, Jeff recognizes that navigating what's next in life--whether in your career, personal life, or relationships--often brings a level of uncertainty and anxiety.

Today, Jeff shares the difference between success and excellence and outlines how to reduce the risk yet not be bounded by fear in a season of change.

If you or someone you love is facing uncertainty and not sure what to do next, this conversation is for you.

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our "Monday Moments" segments. 

Today, we celebrate National Sibling's Day this Wednesday, April 10 by reaching out to your sibling (or chosen sibling!) to share your love + gratitude for them. 

Listen to Live Inspired Podcast ep. #88 to hear the heroic acts of my siblings that saved my life 30 years ago and three ways to enhance your adult sibling relationships.

***

Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segment.

“There are men and women who make the world better just by being the kind of people they are. They have the gift of kindness or courage or loyalty or integrity. It really matters very little whether they are behind the wheel of a truck or running a business or bringing up a family. They teach the truth by living it.” - James A. Garfield, 20th US President

What random act of kindness can you do for someone else today? If you need some inspiration, visit Random Acts of Kindness Foundation's website for ideas!

On Live Inspired Podcast ep. 136, I welcomed Leon Logothetis of The Kindness Diaries, streaming on Netflix, to share his journey of traveling the world relying solely on the kindness of strangers. His message is powerful, and it's going to change the world. Listen to ep. 136 here.

***

Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Patric Young, a former basketball star and two-time SEC Defensive Player of the Year, faced an unimaginable challenge in 2022 when a car accident left him paralyzed from the waist down. Once a towering force on the court, Patric now embarks on a journey of resilience, faith, and rediscovery, confronting the depths of his identity and strength.

Today, Patric shares his journey as he faces adversity and embraces his renewed purpose in life. This story is a guiding light, reminding us to focus on what we can control and to find joy in life's simplest moments.

My friends, if you’ve ever wondered how to remain steadfast in the midst of a storm, this conversation is for you.

"It was out of abject failure that I learned to speak."

My friends, today we get to hang out with a legendary speaker. Mark Sanborn has spoken around the world 2,500+ times, authored the wildly popular Fred Factor and just released The Potential Principle. 

Mark will share his story about being a boy in 4H Club who failed at presenting a 5-minute speech... and how he transformed that failure into a successful speaking career.

As Mark says: "We enjoy our successes but learn more from our setbacks." Join us and get read to transform challenges into an inspired life.

SHOW NOTES:

• Nobody can prevent you from choosing to be extraordinary.
• It was out of abject failure that I learned to speak. I bombed so badly giving a 5-minute speech in grade school it made me want to learn to write and deliver a winning speech. 
• When someone says it doesn't matter, usually they're just minimizing disappointment. 
• We enjoy our successes but learn a lot more from our setbacks.
• Look for the pain in your life; often there's an opportunity there. 
• Lock in greatness, fame is fickle. Greatness is about contribution and that is where you have control.
• If you blame your failures on others, you can't own your successes. Leaders take responsibility but give credit.
• Managers try to be heroes. Leaders try to make heroes.
• Often you become extraordinary inspite of not because of. In the face of a challenge, that's when people become great.
• We are responsible for living in a way that shows others what we we truly believe.
• Integrity is the distance between what you think and do.
• Your beliefs, values and purpose manifest in your work.
• Couple your actions with intentions; too often we say something but don't do anything about it.
• Narrow the gap between what you know you should do and what you actually do.
• Leadership test: Is anything/one better because of you?
• We all know how good we've become. None of us know how good we can be. Try to achieve a little more of your potential so you don't miss the great opportunity of life.
• The Potential Principle, Mark's new book, share a process to help you go from where you are to where you want to be

MARK SANBORN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible is the underpinning of my worldview. The River Why, is one of the greatest works of fiction. It really impacted me.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? Meet with my financial planner and make sure my family's needs are met so they can get by, but not so much they don't have to do anything. Invest the rest in institutions that will outlive me.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? A handful of books and our computer with photos.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? The Apostle Paul who called himself the chief of the sinners, but was also one of the greatest influencers of the Christian faith. I can relate to a really flawed guy who is doing his best.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? A congressman told me at a young age that anytime you give a speech, people always want to be entertained. I've replaced "entertain" with engage.

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Lighten up. I can be a pretty intense dude. Be serious about what you do, but don't take yourself to serious.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? If you want to be successful do whatever you do a little better than anyone else who did it by working a little bit harder than any one else did. 

*** 

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning 

"We are too busy to become less busy"

Juliet Funt is the CEO of WhiteSpace at Work, a global speaker, influencer and consultant to Fortune 100 companies, and "a warrior in the battle against busyness." 

She is a self-described perfectionist who admits baking as her zen moment. He natural intuitiveness, authentic message, and insight allow her the uncanny ability to connect with people at all levels. She has led her team to create changes in low-value work like emails, charts, meetings, paperwork and unnecessary clutter to make life more efficient and enjoyable.

Juliet helps us find the space in our lives to make a really profound change. recharge and reclaim our passion for work.

Today, Juliet shares through humor, story-telling, and lessons how we can find a brief moment to ignite our most productive self. 

SHOW NOTES: 

• "It's gonna be a blast. I can tell already."
• Live into the thing that brings you joy. Prioritizing. 
• Working on WhiteSpace for the past 14 years. help organizations retrieve their talented teams from beneath piles of crushing to-dos and relentless task assaults. We strengthen individuals, teams and companies by giving them nimble, simple teachings that create new norms. She describes "white space" as: "a "strategic pause" that is taken between activities. They are laced through the businesses of our days and then they become the oxygen for everything else to catch on fire."
• She grew up in New York, New York. Her father was Allen Funt from Candid Camera. She is the proud mother of three boys ages: 7, 10, 12.
• "Senior leaders are often torn between profitability and how hard they push people."
• "Human real-time feedback is essential to business."
• WhiteSpace has consulted and helped streamline workflow for some of the top brands in the world including Nike, P&G, Wells Fargo, Hershey’s and Hyatt.
• The 4 thieves of productivity: drive (turns to overdrive), excellence (to perfectionism), information (to info overload) and activity (to frenzy).
  • These four questions help combat the thieves:
    • Is there anything that I can let go of?
    • Where is good enough, good enough?
    • What do I truly need to know?
    • What deserves my attention?
• Unburden your talent with Juliet's FREE gift.

JULIET FUNT'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Mathew Fox, The Reinvention of Work. It set the tone for me that work had inspiration and passion.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? A third to charity, a third for fun, a third for the future.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?  The box of the kid's creations. It filled with drawings and tinkerings.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?  Russel Freidman. He was a friend and instrumental to me. His passing was a universally hard loss for me. 

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My dear friend, Russel would often say, "Stop being mean to my friend."

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Things will get better. You will find your way. Love is out there. Children will be the best thing ever, but you'll have to wait.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? She gave pleasure to herself and others.

*** 

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

Dr. Laurie Nadel, a psychologist specializing in overcoming trauma, has helped people impacted by the 9/11 attacks, Hurricane Sandy and, most recently, the mass shooting in Parkland, FL.

Today, Laurie joins us to talk about how to live inspired after our personal tragedies. Whether divorce, bankruptcy, a natural disaster or anything in between: A "trauma" is anything that leaves you feeling like you've lost your control, your safety or your identity.

My friends, we've all had challenges. Today's episode will directly help you overcome yours.

SHOW NOTES:

• If you like this podcast, you will love Live Inspired IN STUDIO. It's my membership community where like-minded friends join me via live webcast to live inspired together. Registration opens soon! Join the waitlist.
• Dr. Laurie Nadel shared how she was able to better relate to her mother after learning about the Myers Briggs personality types.
• Dr. Laurie Nadel's first book was a 4-time bestseller + on Oprah's book club twice: Sixth Sense: The Whole-Brain Book of Intuition, Hunchies, Gut Feelings, and Their Place in Your Everyday Life 
  • "This book changes lives, in terms of understanding how how you think and process who you are."
• Her most recent book came out in April 2018: The Five Gifts: Discovering Hope, Healing and Strength When Disaster Strikes
  • "This is a tool for people in the midst of tragedy. Open it and something will pop out you can use for self care."
  • The 5 Gifts: humility, patience, empathy, forgiveness, growth. 
• Something like a school shooting or natural disaster, they rip away the fabric of what we thought normal was. When they occur, we have to find a way of balancing in the midst of emotional chaos for sometime. You can swipe it away when you see it on your screen, but when it happens to you in real life, you can’t change the channel.
• At a certain point you're out of shock and can start to think about next week instead of just getting through the day.
• When we start to feel like we can get through a week is when we have the strength or enlarged capacity to connect with people as a result of what we’ve been through.
• Three Cycles of Loss (when you can't go back to who you were before the injury, car accident, bankruptcy, tragic event):
  1. Loss of control of your physical environment.
  2. Loss of safety, you may be emotionally fragile.
  3. Loss of identity / who you are now.
• For another "Live Inspired" take on this topic, check out Ep. #4 with Michaela Haas as she explores + explains: Post Traumatic Growth.

DR. LAURIE NADEL’S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Catcher in the Rye and Catch 22. These two seminal books of the 60s have characters who are authentic and think in questions. They question authority. I admire them and hope I never stop questioning. 

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? My imagination has been tempered by reality and the real world. I was an excellent creative writer, I made up stories. I wish I had a more active imagination.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? I would have grabbed the original edition of the Wizard of Oz that I was saving for my grandchildren. The beautiful books from my childhood were destroyed in Hurricane Sandy.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Dan Rather, I’m fortunate and privileged that he has been my mentor, believer and supporter of my book. I’m always fascinated by what he has to say with where we are now in America as compared to all of the cycles he has seen in the course of his lifetime and what we can learn from that to move forward and be more empathetic.

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Dan always gives me great advice: Just keep writing.

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Calm down a little bit. I was definitely wild. I wouldn’t want to clip her wings or put the breaks on, but I have a lot of people who come into my practice for therapy in their mid to late 20s because what we learn during this season is that the rules of life and family culture we learn through childhood don’t always apply to the world at large. The world is very different when you actually get out there and have to make your way in it. Be careful but be open.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read She was a great mom and great friend.

***

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe, rate & review wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday!

Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning 

"What more can I do?"

This epic question is the one I learned from the example of Hall of Fame Announcer Jack Buck. When our paths crossed, we were strangers. I had just been burned on 100% of my body and the doctors had given me less than 1% chance to survive. 

On today's episode, I  share what has become my most requested story to share when I'm speaking at events. It's the story of an unlikely friendship. Hall of Fame Announcer and The "Voice of the Cardinals" Jack Buck absolutely changed my life and hearing it just might change yours.

Can't wait to share the story with you again, or for some of you: For the very first time. Enjoy!

SHOW NOTES:

• Think back to a time when you were experiencing a hardship: What might have changed if your hero walked in to help you? Is there someone you know going through a hardship you could step in and be a hero for today?
• Crying is a sign of great strength. 
• When someone is truly smiling, you can see it in their eyes.
• Leadership is about meeting people where they are; meeting them in their "why." 
• Motivation is an inside job.
• Jack believed in me first; I followed. Who do you believe in today? How are you letting him/her know?
• Love changes us. When we show up as love for others, we change them.
• Ask yourself: "What more can I do?" And then pause to actually answer it.
• What is one thing you can do today to change the world from negativity, exclusion, fear and anxiety to one of inclusivity, hope, faithfulness and love?

JOHN O'LEARY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

Since we didn't have a guest to answer the "live inspired 7" this episode, I thought I'd share my answers to this set of questions! You can read my answers on my Parade Magazine article here.

***

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast anywhere you get your podcasts.

I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

Find out more about having John speak at your event here.

After yet another catastrophe devastating our neighbors in Haiti, I wanted to share with you the amazing work being done by an organization striving to make a difference there.

Today, I share a story was shared with me by last week's Live Inspired Podcast guest Tim Brand, Founder of Many Hands for Haiti. They are making a profound, positive impact during a time when need is so overwhelming. It’s a message that will remind you of the ripple effect of your life. Even when you don’t see it.

Learn more about Tim Brand + the life-changing work his organization is doing in Haiti on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 388 here.

Each year, my four children join their dad for one-to-one time on a work trip. It’s sacred time we get to spend together and is affectionately known as their “daddy trips.” Each child looks at my schedule, chooses where they want go, and plans out absolutely everything we do once we get there.

Today, just a day before my oldest turns 18 years old, I  treasure important life lessons Jack has taught me, one of the most important being how much better life gets when I simply say “Yes” to the opportunities and experiences all around me.

Loneliness epidemic. Did you know we're currently experiencing this? A recent Harvard study found that 1 in 4 Americans feel they have no one to confide in. So, if you feel lonely or like you're lacking something, you are (ironically...) not alone.Today's episode can help.

Radha Agrawal shares simple tools from her new book, BELONG: Find your people, create your community & live a more connected life. My friend, the Live Inspired community is absolutely a place where you belong. My hope is that today's episode helps you strengthen the community where you live, too.

NOTES:

• Check out these recent articles about the loneliness epidemic: New York Times, Washington Post.
• Get a copy of Radha's new BELONG book.
• Meaningful relationships are the key to a healthy, happy life. Isolation is as detrimental to your health as being an alcoholic; twice as detrimental as obesity, according to the same study noted above.
• Learn more about Radha Agrawal on her site radhaagrawal.com.
• The cornerstone of belonging is participating. Don't just be a bystander.
• Begin architecting your community:
  1. Ask yourself: Who am I and what do I care about? 
  2. Write down the qualities you're looking for in a friend.
  3. Write down the qualities you do not want your friend to have.
  4. Realize you need to have the qualities you're seeking (i.e. less judgmental, listen well).
  5. Be gently self-aware of how you're showing up.
  6. Begin with "exploratory" phase (try new things, show up at new events, observe).
  7. Move into "participatory" phase: Which events would you like to go back to and push yourself to participate,  volunteer, strike up real conversation?

     • Stop asking questions like "what do you do." Ask bigger questions: What are you most excited about? What's a moment when you were most afraid?

• Be patient in the process. It takes 80 hours to call someone a friend. Prioritize this.
• ALL of our issues ladder down to one thing: NOT belonging.
• It's exhausting to hang out with people who don't get you. Take the time to find community members who fill up your tank.
• Sometimes, the more successful you are the more at arms length you are from people. It can be lonely on top.
• We're often part of a community because we're born into it. Cultivate a sense of belonging; feeling of "I'm home. I'm happy."

Want to get started making new friends? Listen to Ep. #87, Mel Robbins' 5-second rule will hold you accountable to getting out of your comfort zone + making new friends.

If you like this podcast, you will love Live Inspired IN STUDIO. It's my membership community where like-minded friends join me via live webcast to live inspired together. Registration opens soon! Join the waitlist.

RADHA AGRAWAL'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Sapiens, by Yuval Harari. And a children’s book by Dallas Clayton, An Awesome Book.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I wish I was less combative and a better listener instead of beating my own drum.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? A video that my partner made of our engagement.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Sacagawea! She helped Lewis and Clark get across harrowing parts of the country while pregnant. I'd ask her what it takes to be such an incredible explorer.

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Choose your friends wisely. You're as good as the 5 closest and the sum of all the friends you keep. Pick your friends and nurture them.

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Stop trying to be so cool and relevant. This is your time to discover who you are.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? She helped bring people together, find more connection, feel a sense of belonging and fully express and shine their unicorn light.

***

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe, rate & review wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday!

Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

If you like this podcast, you will love Live Inspired IN STUDIO. It's my membership community where like-minded friends join me via live webcast to live inspired together. Registration opens soon! Join the waitlist.

Lauren Daigle is the fastest-selling new artist in the Contemporary Christian genre of the last decade. Critically acclaimed for her unique, soulful + soaring vocals, the singer-songwriter is sincere, down-to-earth and has unwavering faith. 

Today, the 2-time Grammy Award winner shares how her Louisiana-roots cultivated her appreciation for music, the uplifting inspiration behind her lyrics, and how rediscovering her childlike wonder helped her find greater joy in life.

Lauren also shares how she previously embraced a period of stillness amidst a whirlwind of success, how it propelled her forward into her next fruitful season + what it could mean for you during the COVID-19 pandemic.

SHOW NOTES:

• "We're on the precipice of something extraordinary. If the whole world is still and experiencing a level of silence, great things come on the other side of those experiences."
• “I need to learn to love change because it is inevitable.”
• Lauren grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana surrounded by a  culture of music, passion + creativity.
• Music was a formative way of learning, a way of life + a way to come out of hard, dark times.
• As a teenager, Lauren was homebound because of the immunocompromising virus cytomegalovirus and music became a way to stay motivated and out of depression.
•  "Being still showed me the future."
• "My life experiences allow a texture, tone or an emotion to come out in my voice."
• After high school, Lauren helped build a church on a mission trip to Brazil. While there, she saw how religion can separate others + learned to see people for who they are versus what they believe in.
• "There are so many things in life that make us more alike than different."
• Before becoming an award-winning singer, Lauren wanted to pursue a career in doing pro-bono law for human trafficking victims.  
• "If you're in a place in life where you have dreams, things you're hoping or longing for and they don't seem to be in close proximity, surround yourself with as much influence as you can while being diligent and persistent in the work before you."
• Lauren shares the meaning behind some of the lyrics to "This Girl", "Look Up Child" and "You Say".
• December 25, 2017: After working herself into exhaustion, and many would say at the height of her career, Lauren took close to a year off of work to "be still".
• Lauren relates that period to pulling back a slingshot before being propelled forward + fruitful in the next season of her life.
• As her world tour is on pause because of the coronavirus, Lauren again plans to get lost in the stillness to let her mind, heart + spirit be refreshed + revived.
• Learn more about Lauren Daigle here.

LAUREN DAIGLE'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Love Does by Bob Goff.

[Listen to Bob Goff on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 115!]

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Climb trees better and get lost in wonder more frequently.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? My first thought once all people that matter to me are safe, I don't care. Let's roast marshmallows. My second thought is a $100 bill my grandfather gave me as he was passing away + giving the advice "you better know who you, whose you are and where you are." My third thought is a letterbox filled with letters from my childhood until now.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? My grandfather because I miss him. Also, Quincy Jones to learn + engulf myself in stories of his career and his personal pains + hardships.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Bob Goff told me to always remember who my 8-year-old self is.

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Steady the course, stay focused, keep moving forward and when you think you've lost yourself, God will always direct you back to who you are.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? Lauren Daigle was a woman who loved well, loved rich and loved deep. 

***

We are just days away from launching IN AWE! Preorder your copy today to receive access to fun, interactive bonus features emailed to you in the lead-up to the book’s release! Visit ReadInAwe.com. 

***

Did you enjoy today's episode? Share it with your friends! Then subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts.

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Recently, a dear friend shared the work of journalist Mike Max and his coverage of George Floyd's murder and the protests, destruction and marches in Minneapolis in the following days.

Mike had covered the sports beat for 34 years at the CBS Minneapolis station and chose to use his longstanding relationship with the community to work to calm the hostile environment, spark meaningful conversations and capture the real-time experiences of the grieving community.

Today, Mike shares his firsthand experience and what it was like to witness demonstrators and police officers respect for each other.

Our conversation will remove the fog we often feel from politicized reporting and remind us of the good, humanity and of the possibility of us all coming together.

SHOW NOTES:

• Growing up in a small Minnesota town, Mike credits his positive role models in building his fundamental foundation.
• Be thankful for what you did get to do.  As a former college athlete, Mike sees sports as a great meritocracy.
• In his 34 years in media, Mike insatiable appetite for his work + the process of sharing stories of others.
• Although Minneapolis had a history of racial tension and Mike expected turmoil after viewing George Floyd's murder, he didn't anticipate it growing into a global movement for social change.
• From covering area high school + professional sports for many years, Mike leaned into his diverse network, especially his Black friends to learn and gain a critical perspective.
• While reporting on the demonstrators' perspective and their hopes for the demonstrations, Mike – a white man - began to understand the impact police brutality had had on the Black community in Minneapolis.
• Mike observed humanity and respect as demonstrators and officers began to understand each other after they spent long hours and days together
• "He's got a family. He's got friends. I've got a family. I've got friends. We just want to go home to the people we love."A quote from one of the demonstrators, sharing what it was like to talk with one of the officers at a demonstration.

MIKE MAX'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Swim with the Sharks Without Being Eaten Alive by Harvey Mackay. 

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I cared more about people + trusted much more.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? My cellphone and the pictures of my family + friends.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Any President or Johnny Carson.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Hard work always pays off.

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't get so uptight about things that don't matter.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? He gave it his best shot.

***

My new book IN AWEis now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today! 

***

Did you enjoy today's episode? Share it with your friends! Then subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts.

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segment.

"Whatever you water grows. Whatever you pay attention to and focus on gets bigger. Attend to what you want, not what you fear or despise." – Dr. Henry Cloud

There is no denying that we're in the midst of a crisis. Don't believe me? Turn on your nightly news. Yet, a bit of context around our media is important to understand. In 2017, Harvard Business Review reported that 19 out of 20 stories shared by the media are negative... and that's unemployment was at all-time lows and markets at historic highs, not during the midst of a global pandemic.

We know that what we focus on grows in our consciousness so it's expected that depression + isolation will rise, triggered by the 24-hour negative news cycle. And yet, there is so much good in this world. Today, let's focus on that.

We can choose to not only can flatten the curve but create a movement that reminds the world: In spite of today’s adversity, there are helpers showing up, there’s reason for hope and there remains certainty that the best is yet to come. [Click to tweet.]

In the midst of a 24-hour negative news cycle blaring how lousy the world is, we want to counter with messages of individuals, families and entire communities choosing to Live Inspired Together. And I need your help!

Send me examples of individuals in your community taking positive action to make things better. It could be your spouse cutting the grass for an elderly neighbor or your cousin beginning a food drive for those in need. It could a story you read about a billionaire donating a 737 packed with supplies heading for NY or a video you watched of a child donating their allowance. From families singing on their decks to individuals cheering for health care workers – forward your favorite stories over to podcast@johnolearyinspires.com!  We’ll be showcasing some of them on a video very soon.

Also, to help combat fear, isolation and other uncertainty around coronavirus, I created a 21-day challenge to inspire our community to focus on what they can control and to remain ferociously optimistic that their best remains ahead. Sign up for the IN AWE 21-Day Challenge here.

***

Pre-order your copy of IN AWE today to receive access to fun, interactive bonus features emailed to you in the lead-up to the book’s release! Visit ReadInAwe.com. 

***

Did you enjoy today's episode? Share it with your friends! Then subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts.

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

"If he were a horse, I'd shoot him."

I’ll never forget the sting of hearing those words spoken about me by a physician who didn't see the hope and possibility in a 10-year-old boy hoping to regain the use of his hands.

Weeks later, I found a very different, kind-heart, visionary physician: Dr. Carlos Pappalardo. One who looked into my heart when he spoke with me, treated me as a person, and masterfully blessed me with the ability to again use my hands.

Earlier this week I learned that Dr. Carlos Pappalardo passed away at the age of 93. Today, I want to share four specific encounters with this man, how they each had a profound impact on my life and how we all can learn to live a meaningful, significant, servant-oriented, faithful and generous life.

As a seasoned Human Resources expert with more than 30 years of experience, April Simpkins is a powerhouse in the realm of mental health advocacy. With relentless determination, she has tirelessly championed the cause and became an even more visible advocate following the passing of her beloved daughter Cheslie Kryst (Miss USA 2019) who battled depression for many years.

Today, April shares her professional journey, her unexpected path into pageantry and life as a mother of six. Equally important, she shares about the accomplishments of her late daughter Cheslie, the struggles Cheslie silently face, and how she continues to keep Cheslie's legacy alive.

My friends, with September being National Suicide Awareness and Prevention Month, I hope today’s conversation will provide hope and guidance for you to continue forward boldly in your journey.

As the school year begins, I wanted to take a moment to celebrate a teacher taught me invaluable lessons on school and life.

Mrs. Cathy Collins showed me that regardless the subject we may teach, there is no finer foundation, no clearer lesson plan, and no more effective motivation than love.

Today, Greg shares how many slowly, over-time begin to lead less satisfying, less fulfilling, less hopeful lives and how to break that cycle.
 
This conversation will remind you that your life has significance and you have the potential to change the world through your life’s impact.

SHOW NOTES:

• Over 20 years ago, Greg left corporate after being called to be a pastor because of a longing desire to make a difference.
• We're living in a VUCA - volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguious - world.
• “People are longing for a world view that gives us a way out of a VUCA world, while acknowledging we’re in it.”
• Here I stand, I can do no other. Greg leans on his trusted community to collaborate when he’s being called into something more.
• Faith is not living in denial.
• Desire to flourish yet accept settling: We play it safe and surround ourselves with people exactly like us and attempt to blend in by being ghosts of ourselves because we forget we were made to make a difference.
• It’s not doubt that’s toxic to faith. It’s silence. By getting permission to ask hard questions, particularly in faith, Greg has been able to explore the answers, even when their may not be “answers”.
• “My dad left a legacy that I don’t think he fully appreciated. He set off so many chain reactions of love and goodness.”
• Spend less, give more. As part of Advent Conspiracy movement, thousands of people have chosen to celebrate Christmas in a counter-cultural way.
  • Greg shares the story of a son who gifted his dad coffee beans with a note requesting they only drink the coffee together while having meaningful conversations.
• The open-handed generosity + hospitality Greg recieved while doing mission work around the globe has been life-changing for him. "I’ve been on the receiving end of meals that I know cost more than any meal I’ve served to a guest. That’s as humbling as it gets."
• Cultivate a culture of listening. In these particular days, Greg seeks to continue to learn by having conversations where truth can be spoken and where we listen to each other. 
• Learn more about Greg Holder here.
• Get a copy of Greg Holder's book Never Settle.

GREG HOLDER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? A Failure of Nerve by Edwin Friedman and the Bible.

[John asked Greg what book of the Bible he recommends for listeners. If you’re looking to get familiar with the voice of Jesus, Greg recommends Matthew, Mark, Luke or John of the New Testament, or the Book of Philippians.]

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Be less self-conscious + be freer.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Two journals I kept from my daughters first year away at college.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? C.S. Lewis  and I'd ask him to tell me about his writing process.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Lean into the gifts you have and stop trying to be someone you’re not.

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Trust Him sooner. Jump into the story with both feet

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? He followed Jesus fully and loved his friends with all his heart.

***

About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies. 

***

Pre-order your copy of IN AWE today to receive access to fun, interactive bonus features emailed to you in the lead-up to the book’s release! Visit ReadInAwe.com. 

***

Did you enjoy today's episode? Share it with your friends! Then subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts.

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

My friend, we all go through dark times. The good news is that your life matters, the foundation remains firm, better days are ahead and you are not alone. These aren’t platitudes, but transformational truth.

You see, light is awesome. It shows us the way. It provides clarity.

And yet, it is in enduring the darkness that permits us to actually see the stars and more fully appreciate the light.

Nick Vujicic has a passion to inspire the world. After being born without arms or legs, Nick faced tremendous obstacles including helplessness + isolation --  until he discovered his purpose.

As a New York Times bestselling author, international speaker, entrepreneur and father of four, Nick emphasizes that no matter your circumstance, you can overcome.

Today, Nick shares his path to finding purpose, how sharing his struggles have inspired billions + what he's looking forward to. This conversation with an ambassador of hope will remind you that we all can rise above adversity and overcome every disability and live a life without limits.

SHOW NOTES:

• The happiest people on earth are ones that are grateful.
• Before his birth, Nick's parents did not know he'd be born without limbs. It took his mom four months to come to terms 
• At a young age, Nick's parents encouraged him to do household chores for money which taught him goal-setting, dignity + appreciation and also have faith in God, know he is loved + to not limit himself.
• At 10 years old, while searching for his purpose and combating bullies, Nick attempted suicide.
• I don't need to hold their hand. I need to hold their heart. Never expected to be married or have children, Nick has four kids with his wife of eight years.
• "Life isn't always smooth. Life isn't always good. But, life overall is good."
• "We don't see the good that can come from broken pieces. We don't give any room for miracles. And when you don't get a miracle, you can still be a miracle for someone else."
• Nick has shared his life-giving message of hope to over 2 billion people.
• Australia's speaking industry was virtually nonexistent when Nick began his career. That + the worry that Nick would be influenced by other's opinions made his parents fearful. After two years, Nick's success + life-changing impact was apparent.
• "There is hope beyond the brokenness."
• "My joy is in my faith, family + friendship."
• Nick + I share how our children have learn their dads may not be like the other dads and how they've learned to bridge the gap through sharing that everyone has value.
• Looking forward, Nick is grateful + seeking balance.
• Learn more about Nick Vujicic here.
• Learn more about Nick Vujicic's ministry Life Without Limbs here.

NICK VUJICIC'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible and Money Secrets of the Rich by John Burley.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Celebrate the good longer + more fully.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? A painting of 6 hands toasting to life with glasses of wine. My best friends have the same painting.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Oprah because I want her to know that Jesus loves her and heard her prayers when she was a child giving her the greatest pulpit in the world to preach the gospel unwaveringly.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Learn how to reverse engineer your goals + time prioritze. Stay humble.

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Carve out one hour a day to sit in silence and think, read your Bible more and pray more.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? An imperfect ambassador for perfect hope that had a heart bigger than Texas to help the world know that they are loved and never give up. 

***

My new book IN AWE is now available! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today! 

***

Did you enjoy today's episode? Share it with your friends! Then subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts.

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Josh Wilson had a vision to make an impact on deeply rooted systemic poverty in his community. In learning the importance of listening over telling and how to act with more than just good intentions, Josh has connected families with resources as prevention methods for violent outcomes for more than 16 years.

Today, Josh shares how his non-profit Mission: St. Louis has become a lighthouse for the community, and how they’ve empowered individuals for social and economic growth through relationship and opportunity, breaking the cycle of poverty.

My friends, this conversation illustrates the power of how loving the one in front of you, forging relationships, and creating purposeful opportunity can transform communities and our world.

Amidst continuous tragedies globally and complexities of life individually, we often need a reminder that there is reason for hope. Several years ago, I needed that reminder, too. And perhaps surprisingly, I received it from someone who needed it even more than I did. Let me explain.

Stephanie Szostak stars on A Million Little Things, a TV show that shares the story of a group of friends in the wake of suicide.

I'm honored to have Stephanie on the show to bring mental health into the light during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. We'll also talk about her life, inspiration, work (Dinner for Schmucks, The Devil Wears Prada, Iron Man 3!) and how she became a fan of the Live Inspired Podcast.

SHOW NOTES:

• Take our survey to be entered to win autographed goodies from past guests! 
• Stephanie shared that the director wrote A Million Little Things to honor his friend who died by suicide + hoped it would create opportunities to start conversations about this difficult topic.
• "You only live once. It's an adventure! It will be great for the kids to see their mother pursue her dreams." The support her husband shared when taking a role that entailed commuting.
• "You will always know what is right from wrong. You won't always do it, but you'll always know."
• "Be curious and don't judge."
• "Working on Iron Man 3 with Robert Downy Jr. was like doing a dance with an unbelievably talented and generous partner who led you. It was a really incredible experience." 
• "Show your vulnerability. We think it makes us weak, but it makes us free. It is courageous."
• What would you say to someone going through a hard time? Talking is helpful. Sometimes we don't want to open up or be a drag. Pick up the phone, go to therapy, speak to somebody, so that you can get a tool to brighten your day and change your mindset.

STEPHANIE SZOSTAK'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Seven Spiritual Laws of Success by Deepak Chopra. It changed my life. And The Power of Now by Eckhart Toehl.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Playfulness, as a mom when I am caught up in the domesticity of life, cooking dinner and all this, I wish I would just let go and be more playful.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? The old family pictures on our book shelf and passports.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Bob Marly, Mick Jagger, Patty Smith and my brother! We're looking at the ocean. They're all such poets and free spirits the conversation just starts; life, creativity and love. And I am in heaven listening to all of them.

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? To do the exercise called the Impossible Future. My husband and I went into different rooms and answered: "If there were no obstacles and anything was possible, what would every aspect of your life look like?" Then share it. It's a great way to get to know each other.

Also, give to each other without expecting anything in return or calling out what you did.

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? You don't know who you are yet. It's okay. Take your time and be curious.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? She did it her way and inspired others to do the same.

***

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe, rate & review wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday!

Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

Hollywood has a reputation of attracting individuals capable of portraying one version of themselves in front of a camera … and a very different version when no one is watching.

Perhaps that’s why when people learn a movie was made about my life, and they hear about the actors who participated in the film, one of the most frequently asked questions is, “So, what are they really like?”  After spending months with some well-known actors, producers, directors and leaders in the industry, my answer typically surprises them. Let me explain.

Each day, more than 54 million Americans are responsible for serving as a caregiver for a loved one.

Three decades with Parkinson’s disease has made movement for my father Denny O’Leary nearly impossible. But with the help of another person, guiding him from spot to spot, supporting him in the shower, assisting as he gets dressed, and guiding a wheelchair from room to room, the absolute impossible becomes possible. And this care happens all day, every day.

For Dad, the person doing all that work is my mother, Susan O’Leary. She’s remarkable, and she’s not alone. 

Often caregiving is a burden to bear and a problem to be solved. And yet as an expert in gerontology, Dr. Sarah Teten Kanter is on a mission to make caregiving and care receiving a time to savor and an opportunity for personal growth.

Today, Sarah shares the simple activities, conversation-inspiring questions, and self-care practices designed to immerse caregivers and their care partners in gratitude, empathy, forgiveness, love, and awe. Why these five specific emotions? By exuding these positive emotions, it’s been shown to improve health, reduce stress and create meaning in daily life in the relationships of caregivers and care receivers.

My friends, this conversation reminds us to embrace the full gift of life at every stage and every age.

"I. YOU. WE. MATTER."

To the outside world, Matt Emerzian was living the “American Dream”. He was a gifted athlete, successful in the entertainment industry, hung out with famous people, and was living the “Hollywood lifestyle”. Until one Monday morning when it fell apart and his life changed forever.

The author of Every Monday Matters, Matt tells his story of brokenness and the long process of rebuilding his spirit. He now shares his story and experiences around the country, speaking to people about depression, anxiety, and feeling unworthy, unappreciated, and unloved.   

Join me and Matt as we talk about his journey back from the dark years to finding a calming and grounded existence.

SHOW NOTES:

• Matt realized his “ladder was leaning against the wrong wall” and thought about taking his life because he felt he didn’t really matter.
• Get Matt's book, Every Monday Matters which offers 52 ideas for doing something positive.
• One of his father's favorite sayings is, “good for goodness’s sake” and it is now the motto Matt lives by.
• He grew up playing competitive soccer and even got to play in Germany until he blew out his knee. After that, he picked up water polo and was eventually recruited by UCLA.
• After graduation, he became a band manager in LA. He was having the time of his life. He met and ended up getting hired on the spot by Robert Kardashian. Robert owned one of the largest music marketing companies in LA.
• His definition of success was cliché: be rich, hang out with famous people, be single, etc. Matt "had it all"
• One Monday morning, getting ready for work, his chest started hurting and thought he was going to have a heart attack. A doctor visit confirmed he was having a very severe panic attack.
•  “It’s not about you!” His therapist shared this with him and he credits this saying with saving his life.
• Matt’s therapist helped him overcome his panic attacks and unhappiness – and self-acknowledge selfish lifestyle – by spending time each week volunteering. It changed his life and became his favorite part of the week.
• He created a youth curriculum for educators focused on the principles of: “I matter. You matter. We matter.” 

MATTHEW EMERZIAN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Man's Search for Meaning, that book just speaks to me. A Purpose Driven Life, the first line of the book was profound to me. Where the Red Fern Grows, it is a story of love, compassion, and heartbreak. It made me feel deeper than I ever imagined before.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? My wife and I would love to own our first home together. Then it would be how can I put those dollars to use to have an impact on communities and people. Along the line of the work I currently do. It would be invested in social good.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? My wife’s childhood blanket. It was a gift from her father.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Jesus and Bono. I see us talking about where it all went wrong and how we can change it. By "it" I mean humanity & our culture. I think Jesus would say, it is time for us to love our neighbors more.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Listen first. I really try to be a good listener and be super present. To learn, yet also to honor whoever I’m talking to.

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? The road might get bumpy, but have faith. It is OK if your story doesn’t turn out exactly like you thought it would.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?Matt Emerzian lived a life that mattered.

*** 

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

As schools prepare to open, it’s a great time to reflect on some highlights from summer before it fades.

For me, the list includes morning walks with Beth, a slower pace at work, evening swims with Grace, playing cards with my boys and family vacations to Michigan and Florida. One highlight, however, started as a bad experience, became even worse and through a new friend’s generosity was transformed into a highlight.

Empathy doesn’t excuse poor behavior. Rather, it seeks to understand it and strives to redeem it.

Today, as we continue to navigate a global pandemic, face challenges professionally + personally, I encourage you to draw from my grandpa’s wisdom:

1. Surrender yourself for the betterment of someone else.
2. Let go of your former life as individuals and embrace a unified one, together.
3. Be fused fully to whether storms, chart dreams and achieve goals.

***

Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy with my instant #1 bestseller IN AWE. Visit ReadInAwe.com today! 

***

Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Moments segment.

Today I welcome back New York Times bestselling author Andy Andrews to share the inspiration behind his latest book The Bottom of the Pool, why it took him 20 years to write this book and more. This energetic conversation will help start your week on fire! 

Get Andy Andrew's latest book The Bottom of Pool here.

Andy shared his incredible life story and his journey from homelessness to a bestselling author on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 25. Listen here.

***

Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Mitch Albom, author of the bestselling memoir of all time, Tuesdays with Morrie, never meant to be a writer.

Hear the unlikely way Mitch found himself writing his beloved professor's memoir; and what it means for your unfulfilled dreams. (Hint, there just might be a silver lining!)

Hear what it was like to learn Morrie's life lessons, from Morrie himself - first as a student in his classroom and, ultimately, as a friend in his hospital room.

My friends, 15 million have read the book. Countless have watched the movie (produced by Oprah!). Today, we will hear the story behind the wisdom Morrie shared 20+ years ago.

Don't miss this world-class episode. 

SHOW NOTES: 

• "You know you've done a lot, when you realize how little you've done."
• The first time Mitch met his professor, Morrie Schwartz, he wanted to drop his class. Listen to find out what made him stay.
• "Morrie opened my eyes to being a whole person - and that, that was an accomplishment in it of itself. He made me think in terms of being multi-dimensional instead of just 'get a job, get a career, do well.'"
• Morrie asked Mitch to keep in touch; 16 years passed without contact. Mitch said, "There was no time to concern myself with the past... only the future. I lost track of Morrie."
  • Do you have a Morrie? Can you make time to reach out to him today? What might he say if you did?
• Tuesdays with Morrie is about Mitch's "visit after I saw him on TV and realized how guilty I felt. He was in the throws of ALS, but was much more positive about life than I was."
• Mitch saw the gap between them and wanted to know: What does Morrie know that I don't, about life now that he's looking [death] in the face?
• Mitch wrote the book to help offset Morrie's medical bills. Mitch thought: "I'll write it and it will be over. I'll have done one nice thing for this man."
• After being turned down by many publishers, Tuesdays with Morrie was published; without fanfare. It didn't debut on as a bestseller.
• Man plans and God laughs.
• What would Morrie say today? "Let me know if my head is getting swelled by this... because they aren't celebrating me, they're celebrating the message."
• Morrie felt enlightened when he was dying; his whole perspective changed in the last two years of his life.
• "I am on the last great journey of life and everyone wants to ask me what am I packing. " - Morrie Schwartz
• What was the main lesson you learned from Morrie? "I asked, 'Why don't you accept the sympathy of your visitors?' He said, 'Why would I ever take from people? Taking makes me feel like I'm dying, giving makes me feel like I'm living.' That was a very profound lesson for me and I've never forgotten it."
• The more you give the better you feel. The earlier you discover that formula, the happier you're going to be.
• The best fatherly article John has ever read, was written by Mitch, about Chika, an unlikely friend and daughter he met in Haiti. Read it here.   

MITCH ALBOM'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Gilliad, by Marilynne Robinson. It's a story of an old preacher getting ready to die, writing a letter to his young son. He shares his thoughts on life. It moves me no matter what page I open to.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? Give it away.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? All the pictures of me and my wife with Chika.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? God. The first question I'd ask, "What don't we understand about why we suffer? If you created the world in your image, there's a disconnect between the pain we endure and the glory we think we're going to enjoy after we die."

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My mom said to me, "You're only going to have a few really good friends in your life no matter how many people you meet. People will disappoint you. The only thing you can do better than to have [a few] people who will always be there and be true, is to marry the best one."

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Slow down. Stop thinking your life is measured by how much you accomplish. Pay attention to how nice people are being to you and how less than nice you are being to them. Recognize that you have a responsibility to the rest of the world, not just yourself. Take a breath now and then... like the Billy Joel lyrics, "Slow down you crazy child, you're so ambitious for a juvenile."

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? He learned, he loved and he learned some more; and tried to be better everyday than he had been the day before.

*** 

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

“Do you ever have bad days?”

While speaking with a group of college interns for a large insurance agency last week, I was asked this question. My answer surprised them. In sharing it with you, I hope it offers some encouragement for you. Let me explain.

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our Live Inspired Podcast Monday Motivation segment.

“Were you born stupid? Or have you just become stupid over time?”

As a 20-year old college finance major, I had an amazing opportunity to work at a world-class financial service firm. When a successful adviser called asking me, “were you born stupid? Or have you just become stupid over time?” I was startled.

Although the conversation rattled me as an intern, the reason I am rehashing the story is less about my hurt feelings or someone’s assessment of my intelligence, and much more about my manager Don Embree's response and what it means for all of us today.

***

My new book IN AWE is now available... and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today! 

***

Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts. 

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram+ get his Monday Motivation email.

Kelvin Beachum is a 2-time Walter Payton Man of the Year nominee. After being drafted in the seventh round in the 2012 NFL Draft, Kelvin will start his ninth NFL season with the Arizona Cardinals next month.

While he plays football professionally, it’s Kelvin’s passion and purpose that is making a positive impact both on and off the gridiron that I find most intriguing.

As the oldest of four siblings in rural Texas, Kelvin grew up in a family hovering around the national poverty level. Yet, with his parents’ guidance, he learned to share whatever excess they’d have with the community.

Today, you’ll hear a bit about his role as an offensive lineman and far more about his gratitude toward society and compassion towards others.

If you're looking to hear from a catalyst for positive change, this episode is for you.

For the past five weeks, I’ve had the pleasure to work alongside hundreds of talented producers, stunt coordinators, set designers, production assistants, boom operators, award-winning actors, makeup artists… and so many other crucial contributors in bringing a feature-length film to life.

Today, as we’re just two days from calling “it’s a wrap!” on filming of the On Fire movie, I invite you to join me in reflecting on some of the most incredible moments. We'll delve into behind-the-scenes stories, answer questions from our vibrant and loyal Live Inspired community, and provide you with a front-row seat to the magic of filmmaking. Yes, you heard it right – I recorded this episode right from the heart of the action on the set!

My friends, I promised to bring you along for the ride, and today, you get an exclusive glimpse into the making of the On Fire movie.

"Sometimes we hold onto the life we think we're supposed to have. But in letting go, we get new possibilities."

Janine Shepherd grew up an athlete in rural Australia. At 24, she was training for her first Olympics. On a 5-hour training ride, she was hit by a truck. 

Janine was left with a broken neck and back, massive internal bleeding and blood pressure at 40 over nothing. Janine Shepherd was not expected to survive.

Miraculously, 10 days later, the internal bleeding stopped. She was in the hospital for six months. When she came home, she was paralyzed from the waste down, wrapped in a plaster body cast and attached to a catheter. She was told she'd never be able to do any of the things she did before.

Janine decided "Maybe I can't do the things I did before, but I am going to do something extraordinary!"

You don't want to miss what Janine has done in the 20+ years since her accident. Join us on this amazing interview.

SHOW NOTES:

• A one time Olympic-destined skier, Janine has found deeper purpose in "hills" - "The magic happens on the other side of the hill. You don't have to like hills, but you have to learn to love them; to understanding the value in challenge."
• The gift of rock bottom is that there is no where to hide. It doesn't show you who you are; it shows you who are not.
• I let go of all of my Olympic dreams and, in that moment, I realized the only way to heal comes not from running from an experience but living through it.
• Sometimes we hold onto the life we think we are supposed to have. But in letting go we get new possibilities.
• The day she decided to become a pilot, she was still covered in a body cast. It was her dream and it changed her life; it gave her a reason to get out of bed.
• She learned to manage her chronic pain through focus and acceptance.
• I am not my body. This was the most important thing I've learned.
• Get her book Defiant: "Say yes to life regardless of your challenges, that's defiance."
• Hear her TED talk here.

JANINE SHEPHERD'S INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Man's Search for Meaning, by Viktor Frankl. "We want to know that our life counts and has meaning. There's no meaning of life, there's only meaning in life and we create that meaning by how we live."

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do? I would love to find a cure for spinal cord injury. 

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Nothing. Nothing in that house really counts. They are just things.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Jesus and Buddha. I would ask: "How do we get people to remember that it's all about love, tolerance and acceptance?"

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? When my daughter was learning to ride a pony, her riding instructor said to me: "Hasten slowly." What it means to me is slow down, be deliberate, savor the experience.

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Hasten slowly. What you think is important now, when you get older you'll realize it wasn't.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? Janine embraced her defiant human spirit. 

 ***

Live Inspired – IN STUDIO: Registration is NOW OPEN for a very limited time. Don't miss your chance learn more + register: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/In-Studio

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast anywhere you get your podcasts.

I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

What happens when we die? Is there another life? Why are we here? These are questions we’ve wrestled with since the dawn of humanity.

As the author of the New York Times bestselling book Imagine Heaven, John Burke has spent more than three decades studying firsthand accounts of individuals who’ve returned from the brink of death. These awe-inspiring experiences have been shared by people of all ages and cultures, including doctors, college professors, and bank presidents, revealing striking commonalities.

Today, John joins us to share his journey from being a skeptical agnostic to a firm believer, along with numerous gripping stories of near-death experiences and what they mean for us.

Whether you have pondered the mysteries of life after death or seek solace after the loss of a loved one, this conversation is for you.

Ash Beckham is an equality advocate, on a journey toward creating a world of inclusion, where everyone's voice is heard and valued—even when our perspectives may differ.

Today, Ash shares stories of her own transformation from a place of isolation and anger to one of greater openness and connection. Reminding us of the importance of having empathy, humility and authenticity for each other,  Ash guides us to continue building a world where everyone belongs.

Whether your path involves cause-oriented work or simply cultivating a positive voice in your workplace, home, and community, this conversation is a reminder that, in the tapestry of humanity, each thread is unique yet contributes to the beauty of the whole.

Top career adviser Laurie Ruettimann has spent more than 20 years advocating for better employment experiences to increase retention rates and improve job satisfaction.

After a season as a young professional, Laurie was uninspired and blaming others for her unhappiness, until she decided to take hold of life—the good, the bad, and the downright ugly—in order to transform her future.

Today, Laurie shares the framework to approach work in a smart and healthy manner and the tactical advice to champion your interests and create a life you actually enjoy.

Visit JohnOLearyInspires.com/podcast for the entire show notes.

Discipline, toughness, enthusiasm and selflessness. If you combine these things, you have maximized what you can control in becoming a pro baseball player.

Mike Matheny, manager and head coach of the St. Louis Cardinals, husband and father, observed this truth after playing for 17 years and coaching for five.

On today's show, he shares what it's like to win a World Series, fall in love and how having a "consistent and God-honoring" father shaped him into the man he is today. 

The highlight of his career? "Making it there. That first day...and just thinking about the millions of kids playing youth sports and hoping to one day defy the odds. I was told as a teen to change my dream because making the big leagues was less likely than winning the lottery. But that encouraged me. I figured, somebody had to make it, why not me?"

Injuries resulting from concussions throughout his career as a catcher abruptly ended his career, but Mike saw it as an opportunity to spend more time with his kids and make real estate investments. When the market crashed, he nearly lost everything. His family moved in with his in laws and at that time, he observed his kids enjoying the time there as much as they had when they lived in their "palace of a place." He realized: There is more to life than stuff. 

Mike shares what it takes to make it into "the bigs" and make it as a leader, father, dad, son and husband. The takeaways from this episode are epic; don't miss them!  

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• God continues to work on the hearts of people.
• Leadership is caught better than it's taught. If people see selflessness, they will be selfless.
• If you want a winning culture at home or on the field, try to make people around you better.
• Mike wasted part of his time in the big leagues fearing it would end. Now, he tells players "be grateful for those who got you here, but don't deny yourself the pleasure of enjoying being here because it is special."
• You don't know how you will handle losing everything until you do. To have peace with that is one of the greatest gifts you can have.
• As a new coach, he realized he was in a more volatile position then ever, but he had peace. "I was able to hold the position with a loose hand, if I'm meant to be here I'm not going to waste my time with the worry."
• How much does the negativity people throw at you bother you? It stings but I get back to these questions: What's my job? Am I doing it the right way? Doing what I said I'd do? Treating people right?
• What advice would you offer to better manage business / life? Faith is the foundation for everything I do. It comes down to leaving a legacy. You want to be able to look back and see you made an impact on peoples' lives and took advantage of opportunities you were given.

MIKE MATHENY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read?

Good to Great by Jim collins. Main takeaway: Anytime you settle for good you cut your potential short.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do?

Take care of some family and I'd love to think I could give almost all of it away.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?

A stack of 5 bibles for my kids. Over the course of 18 months, I'd read the Bible and journal -- to share what I was going through at that point in my life. When I finished one bible, I'd start the next for my next kid.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?

Coach John Wooden; he has served as a mentor to me and we never had the pleasure of meeting.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

I'm stealing it from Wooden: How you define success, take a good honest look at yourself, the talent that you have, effort the you put in and the pursuit of perfection while realizing perfection is not attainable. 

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20?

Stay away from real estate! To thine own self be true. Find out who you are and what you believe and don't let anybody talk you out of it.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?

Ferocious gentleman.

***

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate and review (help spread the word!) this podcast anywhere you get your podcasts.

I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook & Twitter and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

“In our own woundedness, we can become sources of life for others.” – Henri J.M. Nouwen

For more than a decade I’ve worked with the FOCUS Marines Foundation. This organization hosts struggling veterans for week-long retreats designed to provide support for complex physical and emotional issues related to military service.

On this Memorial Day, I share the story of how the simple act cooking a meal can come to mean so much more. For nearly a decade, four military moms - all of whose lives have been impacted by veteran suicide - pour their hearts into a homemade meal for groups of veterans seeking support for the complex and often traumatic emotional burdens resulting from deployment.

Learn more about the Live Inspired Podcast at JohnOLearyInspires.com.

Rudy Pérez is the definition of a music legend and has earned international success by shining the spotlight on others. He's written + produced hundreds of chart-topping songs for superstars like Beyoncé, Julio Iglesias and Christina Aguilera and has earned five Grammy Awards.

As the first Latin music artist to win Billboard Magazine's Producer of the Decade, Rudy candidly shares about fleeing Cuba under Fidel Castro's reign and surviving a street gang. He also shares how he learned to embrace his talents and behind-the-scenes stories of his unprecedented career. 

Today's conversation will remind you that with hard work, dedication and faith, anything is possible. 

SHOW NOTES:

• Rudy grew up in Cuba during the 1960s when Fidel Castro came into power before escaping to Miami on one of the last Freedom Flights.
• It takes a village: Rudy's life was shaped by his parents + grandparents but he credits his uncle Enrique for his love of music.
• His mother taught him the importance of hard work in order to purchase his first guitar and amp at 13 years old.
• The Vulcan Gang: During one of his first tasks as a gang member, Rudy was caught and sent to juvenile detention, teaching him a lesson in true friendship.
• "Be the artist." This heartfelt wisdom from Ronaldo Lluis made a profound impact on a young Rudy + has continued to inspire him to provide opportunities for other young musicians.
• Rudy + music legend David Foster wrote Latin superstar Luis Miguel's hit Ayer, and inspiration came after watching a movie with his wife Betsy. Ayer became a chart-topper and sold over 11 million copies.
• Rudy and Academy Award winner Burt Bacharach produced Live to See Another Day, dedicated to survivors of school gun violence. Watch the incredible video here.
• Get Rudy Pérez's book The Latin Hit Maker here.

If you enjoyed hearing from a Grammy Award winner, you'll love my conversation with gospel singer Erica Campbell. Erica shares her journey of finding her angelic voice, becoming a wife + mother and her faith in God. Listen to Erica on ep. 190.

RUDY PÉREZ LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible, specifically the book of Job.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? My tenacity and curiosity. Curiosity is so important and I wish young musicians today would be more curious about the greats of the past.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? A guitar my wife bought me.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Beethoven, Bach or one of those geniuses.  

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Happy wife, happy life!

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Love. Love everyone.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? He was the guy that did everything and never said he did anything.

***

Did you enjoy today’s episode? Subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts!

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram+ get his Monday Motivation email.

Duane Lee Chapman, more commonly known as Dog the Bounty Hunter, spent most of the first 23 years of his life on the wrong side of the law. It wasn’t until he was serving an 18-month prison sentence for a murder he didn’t commit that he recommitted to his faith and turned his life around.

Considered by many to be the world’s greatest bounty hunter, Dog became famous for capturing fugitives on his iconic and top-rated television show Dog the Bounty Hunter. 

Today, Dog shares how he turned his life around and went from ex-con to American icon before joining forces with his wife Francie. Francie shares how, through the DOG Foundation, they’re providing housing, counseling, training and intervention services to victims of sex trafficking.

From troubled beginnings and tragedy to triumph and transformation, you’re going to love this conversation.

After years of traveling, hundreds of podcast interviews, and innumerable impromptu conversations on airplanes, I’ve met some of the most remarkably talented and inspirational people in the world. I’ve heard life stories that filled me with hope and reminded me we all have the potential to be used for good.

To ensure we kick off the upcoming holiday season right, I’m hosting a live event that you can attend in my hometown of St. Louis or stream virtually anywhere around the world. The evening will be part storytelling, part concert, and all heart. It will bring together the very best of those I’ve met on one stage to remind the rest of us of our ability to positively change the world — starting with our own.

This experience, On Fire For Good, will fill your heart with gratitude, prepare you for the coming holiday season, and remind you that your best is yet to come.  We want you to share it with us.

Not sure if you can make it?  Not sure it will be worth your time? Not sure if the message will resonate with you?  Not sure if you’ll be back from your black Friday shopping spree?

Come and see.

My friends, in the busyness of the holiday season and the chaotic nature of our lives, this experience will remind you what matters most, reinforce the beauty of your story, and absolutely set you On Fire For Good. Join me the Saturday after Thanksgiving, November 25^th, at 7 p.m. either in our live audience in St. Louis or our virtual audience by livestreaming wherever you are that night.

It will be an evening of inspiration, celebration, and community.

Today Jason Kotecki, artist, speaker + author, is here to help us combat what he calls adult-itis, or being stressed out, boring and no fun. 

Jason will help us rekindle our childlike spirit. Join us to harness the magic of being a kid + see the benefits it could have in your work and life.

SHOW NOTES:

• "Enthusiasm is important because it gives you the energy to start + overcome early failures."
• Growing up, it's so important to have people who believe in you. Notice something good about him + tell him about it. Every once in a while, we need someone to tell us what we are good at. 
• It's amazing what you can learn + how quickly when you try  something new you are interested in.
• Get a tinker project. You don't need a reason, sometimes your heart has a reason to do something that your head doesn't yet understand. Do something that sounds fun; let it naturally rekindle some of your curiosity and playfulness.
• Tinkering - work on something in an unskilled or experimental manner.
• As adults we're too afraid of looking silly. Be willing to experiment and not put pressure on the out come.
• Just because you fail doesn't make you a failure, it makes you human. that is how you grow.
• Give yourself permission to try little things + see where they go.
• To make a difference you don't have to be superhuman, you just need to be brave + courageous 20 seconds at a time.
• As adults, we don't want to look foolish or silly and it really limits our potential.
• How can we breath joyful vibrancy into our lives when we are feeling beat down? Think back to something you did as a kid, that you loved. Buy a pack of baseball cards, go into an old candy shop with $10, watch Scooby Doo - whatever. There is a lot of magic in looking back at something that gave you joy.
• You're meant for something amazing. Go after that.

Jason talks about the importance of creating white space. On Ep. #69, Juliette Funt discussed this topic in greater depth. Check it out here.

JASON KOTECKI'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Path I read it and wrote my mission statement from it in college and still use it today.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I was an off-the-charts dreamer when I was a kid; always imaginative. I'm more cynical now, from the bumps and bruises.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? One or two paintings, my originals that mean something to me.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? My wife. She is my best friend. We could talk about nothing we could talk about anything. If I was stranded somewhere, or looking at something beautiful, I would just want to be there with her.

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Be yourself, everyone else is taken. - Oscar Wilde

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't worry so much. It's going to be different than you think, but it's going to be even better. Stay persistent and keep working.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? Don't settle for the life you have been told to live, create the one you were made for. 

***

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe, rate & review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday!

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Get a John's #1 National Best-selling book ON FIRE here (use code podcast at checkout for 15% off).

"Hard work and applying yourself to be the very best you can be everyday: That is what life is all about."

Today my boyhood hero joins us. Introducing him as a friend is a dream come true.

Ozzie Smith is a 13-time, MLB Gold-Glove-winning short stop for the St. Louis Cardinals. When I was burned as a 9-year-old, Cardinals' announcer Jack Buck promised me John O'Leary Day at the Ballpark when I recovered.

At John O'Leary Day: I got to meet Ozzie for the first time. This summer, on the 30th anniversary of that day, Ozzie and I reconnected. Join me and Ozzie as we talk about humility, being a role model, baseball and how each has allowed him to lead an inspired life.

SHOW NOTES:

• "People are looking up at you, they are watching. Give them an example that is worthy. Make sure you leave people better when they walk away from you then they were when they walked towards you."
• Watch Ozzie interview John on Cardinals' Insider here.
• From growing up in a single-parent home, to being the only African American player on his minor league team: Ozzie shares the greatest lesson he learned repeatedly in life: You are only going to get out what you put in. 
• Hard work, applying yourself to be the very best you can be everyday is really what life is all about. It comes from within, you gotta have that drive within you.
• You gotta be able to kick doubt out. 
• Failure wasn't an option. No matter what I came up against, I had to strive, to work hard to make it. I didn't know what making it was. But I knew that if I was successful, it would make life better for my family. 
• Winning is being able to help your team win psychologically. You give them confidence by being there. 
• Today, Ozzie is passionate about the PGA Reach Program.

OZZIE SMITH'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Charlotte's Web, one of the first books I ever read that I really enjoyed reading. 

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? Kickstart the PGA Reach Program. Finding ways to help people who are less fortunate, John, because there is so much that can be done.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Rawlings gave me a trophy that has each year I won a gold glove. That would be the one thing I'd grab for my grandkids; something they could look at and refer to who their grandpa was.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Jesus Christ that would be great; to sit and have a conversation with him. My first question: Why are we where we are, what happened? 

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Be the best you you can be. That's as simple as it gets. if you adhere to that, good things happen.

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Get involved in the tech world. It would give you the entree to do so much more for the world. You could do so much good.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? You were such an important part of my life! Watching you play baseball with my family - that is what we did. We enjoyed watching you and you brought us such enjoyment. It doesn't get any greater than that.

*** 

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

No matter what you are going through, you will get through it.

I met today’s guest, German-born, bestselling author, journalist and teacher of resilience Michaela Haas, earlier this year when she interviewed me for her column in the “New York Times of Germany.”

Michaela wanted to share about my book ON FIRE because in her writing and research, she focuses on the topic of Post Traumatic Growth. I was so enamored with this topic that I immediately got a copy of her book Bouncing Forward and invited her to be on this podcast!

Through the pages of her book and my time interviewing her, I met some of my new, favorite heroes; each of whom are amazing examples of Living Inspired.

Michaela will give you so much to think about today! Most importantly:

• No matter what you’re going through, her research shows, you WILL get through it. But you have to work for it. You have to reach out. You have to speak out. And you have to make space to confront your pain.
• Learn more about the fascinating Coco Schumann here.
• If you've not read it, order Michaela's favorite book by Maya Angelou Why the Cage Bird Sings here.
• Order Michaela's book Bouncing Forward here.

The LIVE INSPIRED 7 segment is a series of 7 questions, shared "rapid fire" and answered boldly (without prep!) by our guests. My hope is to leave you reflecting on our guest's answers and YOUR answers... and excited to apply ideas from today's show to help you live an inspired life. 

Michaela Haas' Live Inspired 7

1. What is the best book you ever read?

Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do?

First, I would mourn him. Second, I am a rescuer so I would donate most of the money to good causes that rescue people (suicide prevention, trauma prevention) and some to rescue animals.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?

My sister-in-law lost her 3-year-old daughter. We have a recording of her voice that says "you're my best friend" it's in a little cube with her picture. I would definitely grab that cube.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?

Buddha. I am a Buddhist and no one really knows what his true words were because no one wrote them down during his lifetime. So to have an opportunity to actually speak with him, that would be wonderful!

5. What is the best advice you've ever received?

Let go. Easily said though very hard to do. But when I hold onto injustice or loss - I repeat this to myself because there is really no other choice anyway.

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20?

Appreciate life. I had so many worries then - but I had it all! I was healthy. Following my dreams and pursuing my career and travelling the world. I wish that instead of having my mind full of worry, that I would have been more grateful and present.

7. It's been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?

Love. Light. She made a difference.

*** 

If you enjoyed today's episode, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on iTunes and anywhere you get your podcasts! You'll be the first to know when a new episode is available AND you will help me spread the word about our LIVE INSPIRED Movement. 

I can't wait to see you here next Thursday! Until then, remember: Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Celebrating National Siblings Month, my sister Susan O'Leary Ciapciak joined me via livestream for this special episode. We discuss her life-saving role the day of my fire, the challenges of being a working mother of five during a global pandemic, and more!

Watch a replay of the livestream on Facebook or YouTube!

If you enjoy this episode... You'll love hearing my episode about adult sibling relationships. I share three things we do to stay close as adults! Don’t miss it, listen to ep. 88 here.

SUSAN O'LEARY CIAPCIAK'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
   A. On Fire by John O'Leary.
2. Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
   A. Carefree, relaxed mentality.
3. Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?
   A. Because I'm an organized person, I own a business, have five children and work, a box of all our important documents.
4. Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?
   A. Today would be Grandma Cadey who passed away a year ago.
5. Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
   A. Remain faith-filled and keep moving forward.
6. Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
   A. Enjoy your 20s! Convince your brother to go to Europe with you when he tries to bail on you.
7. Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?
   A. Enjoy life for all the gifts it presents and find good in every situation.

***

Join our Live Inspired Together community, text PODCAST2021 to 314-207-5010.

***

About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.

Kyle Petty was born into racing royalty. As a third-generation driver and the only son of NASCAR’s winningest driver ever Richard Petty, Kyle spent decades competing at motorsports’ highest divisions earning a reputation as a classy competitor and one of the greatest philanthropists that NASCAR has ever known.

For more than 20 years, Kyle has hosted the annual Kyle Petty Charity Ride Across America to raise more than $20 million for Victory Junction. Founded in honor of his son Adam, Victory Junction is a year-round camp that exists to enrich the lives of children, ages six to 16, with chronic and serious medical conditions.

Today, Kyle shares an insider's perspective on stock-car racing’s rise in popularity in American culture, how he weathered the untimely death of his son and how he uses his platform to provide life-changing and life-giving experiences for others.

Adversity is much more common than we think. And yet, so is resilience, strength and tenacity.

Dr. Meg Jay is a clinical psychologist and author of The Defining Decade and Superhuman. Specializing in adult development and in twentysomethings in particular, Meg joins us to explain our ability to overcome adversity, the power of being a support for others, and the courage to rise up above one’s circumstances.

Whether you’re entering your 20s or the backside of your 70s, this conversation will empower you to face life’s uncertainties and its complex challenges.

We don't know exactly where Rembrandt is buried. We do, however, have the masterpiece he produced at the end of his life as an example of the perfect acceptance and love still possible in our lives.

Sam Goodwin is an entrepreneur, author and thought leader on embracing uncertainty and the resilience of the human spirit.

In 2019, during a quest to travel to all 193 UN-recognized sovereign states, he was wrongfully imprisoned in Syria on false charges of espionage.

Today, Sam will share how his connections and coincidence were central to his release from one of the most notoriously brutal prison systems in the world, and he’ll recount the lessons he’s learned from this experience.

My friends, this remarkable conversation reveals the miraculous potential for love to liberate us from our most isolating and agonizing situations.

Fr. Ray Kelly, affectionally known as the singing Irish priest from Britain's Got Talent, became a worldwide sensation. The video of him singing a touching rendition of "Hallelujah" went viral with more than 80 million views.

With an astonishing ability to connect with others through his remarkable singing, Fr. Ray joins us to share his fascinating journey from parish priest to Britain's Got Talent fame.

Today's episode is an early Christmas blessing that's sure to delight.

SHOW NOTES:

• Moving from civil service, Fr. Ray became called to priesthood, becoming an ordained priest at 36 years old.
• Understand the power of Christmas. Say "no" to overconsumption + commercialism and "yes" to helping others.
• After recently losing his beloved dog Buddy, the song "I'll Be Home for Christmas" takes on even more of emotional meaning.
• Watch Fr. Ray Kelly sing his rendition of "Hallelujah" for newlyweds Chris and Leah here.
• Learn more about Fr. Ray Kelly here.

If you enjoyed today's episode, you'll love our Musicians playlist. Hear lessons (and music!) from legendary performers including Lauren Daigle and Walker Hayes. Listen to the Musicians playlist now.

FR RAY KELLY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

"Don't think of your age."

When asked how to actively age, 87-year-old Sister Madonna Buder, nicknamed "The Iron Nun" in her 2016 Nike Ad, shared the above.

She continued with, "Just keep moving." Sr. Buder began running at 48. She has since completed 45+ ironman races, 300+ triathlons and won her age group dozens of times.

My friends, if you think you’re too old, too late, too inexperienced, too anything, to embrace a new dream in your life... then you absolutely cannot miss today’s episode. 

Sr. Madonna Buder, the Iron Nun, will encourage you to go ALL IN for your dreams, no matter your age or perceived limitation. Join us!

SHOW NOTES: 

• Everyone was expecting her to announce her engagement; instead she announced that she was entering the convent.
• Began running at 48 and became a world-class athlete, completing in more than 300+ triathlons.
• "Running harmonizes mind, body and soul." These words, shared by a priest, inspired Sr. Buder to start running.
• "You have to run for 5 weeks before you get the runner's high."
• "The only way to not put my body through this [painful training] again is to keep going. From now on, my body is ready."
• She was in a Nike commercial; they call her "The Iron Nun."
• She ran in the 2013 Boston Marathon. At 24 miles in, her race ended as they deterred runners after the bombing.
• When you are met with opposition, it's something training you for the future to be strong.
• How do you view time? 
  1. The only thing that doesn't change at all anymore is constant change. Everyday you wake up to a new day. Don't carry baggage from the past.
  2. What I love to do that really helps me is to watch children in the park. They run more than they walk! I just think in my mind, I'm that kid running!
• The Grace to Race, is Sr. Madonna Buder's book.

 SISTER MADONNA BUDER'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible, even though I've never read the whole thing!

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? I'd have to employ someone to decide which worthy causes to give it to.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? My birth certificate. 

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? I'd go straight to the source, God Himself! The older I get the more questions I have, not answers.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? From my grandfather, "If there is anything worth doing it is worth doing well."

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Always consult with your maker.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?  In gratitude for all you have made, including me.

*** 

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

John Ruhlin grew up poor. When you grow up without much, you notice when people are generous. Maybe that explains why anytime anyone needed anything, John’s answer was always yes. Let me explain.

Mike Kai is a pastor, leadership expert and host of the Pound for Pound Leader podcast. From humble + challenging beginnings, Mike learned firsthand that in order to lead a team, cultivating a healthy culture is key.

Whether you're leading a small family or large company, today's conversation will help you practice excellence (not perfection!), move forward with intention and build sustainable change in order to leave a lasting legacy.

Join us to learn real-life examples and practical principles that will inspire you to grow in any season of life and be reminded that the best of our days remain ahead.

SHOW NOTES:

• The only astronaut from Hawaii, Ellison Onizuka, inspired Mike to pursue his dream to be a fighter pilot.
• Mike's kuleana: After learning he was becoming a young father, Mike abandoned his dream to provide for his family, losing sight of his purpose. 
• How Mike grew during a turbulent season: Discovered a relationship with God, cultivating self-worth and pursued a purpose, read dozens of books including Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, The Greatest Salesman in the World by Og Mandino, and Tough Times Never Last but Tough People Do by Robert Schuller.
• Believe in hope. Mike's pain turned into anger as he developed homicidal + suicidal thoughts.
• Mike's advice from 28 years of marriage: Forgive quickly and freely, fight for unity and continue to date one another.
• To lead a team of any size, Mike builds like Soloman and sees like Sheba.
• Build better to finish better.
• Excellence is an accelerator, elevator, separator, and income generator.
• "Sometimes excellence gets a bad rap because people think it's another word for perfection, but it's not. Excellence is doing the very best you can with what you've been given." 
• Learn more about Mike Kai, including his Pound for Pound Leadership Podcast here.
• Get a copy of Mike Kai's book It Doesn't Just Happen here.

If you enjoyed this episode... You'll love my conversation with Seth Godin. As a 20-time bestselling author, distinguished speaker and shares brilliant insights on life, success, failure, and the “audacity to settle for anything less than remarkable”. Listen to the ep. 356 Seth Godin now.

MIKE KAI'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

Today’s guest will help you to stop managing life and start LIVING it.

She is a bestselling author, blogger, mom, leader of the hands free revolution and my dear friend: Rachel Macy Stafford.

Every conversation I’ve had with Rachel is one of the most authentic conversations I’ve ever had - and today’s episode is no different. You'll see yourself in Rachel’s struggles, triumphs and story and you’ll be inspired by her tools to live life to the fullest.

We're nearing the end of Live Inspired Podcast Season 1 and I absolutely saved Rachel to be one of the last for a reason. Today’s conversation is going to be an inflection point for you! My favorite takeaways from our time together:

• Stop managing life and start LIVING it.
• Set "distraction free" time every day.
• "Only love today."
• Hands Free Living - [n.] leaving your phone and schedule to just be. Letting go of control and unrealistic standards.
• Redefine what success is for YOU. What do you want to measure success by TODAY?
• When we see each others' scars we love each other more.
• Pre-order Rachel's new book (hits shelves March 2017) Only Love Today.
• Connect with Rachel & The Hands Free Revolution on Facebook.

The LIVE INSPIRED 7 segment is a series of 7 questions, shared “rapid fire” and answered boldly (without prep!) by our guests. My hope is to leave you reflecting on our guest’s answers and YOUR answers… and excited to apply ideas from today’s show to help you live an inspired life.

Rachel Macy Stafford's Live Inspired 7

1. What is the best book you've ever read?

Life is a Verb. I would not be a writer today if I had not read it. She inspired me to take a leap of faith and put myself out there.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do?

My kids and I have been involved with Compassion International. I would like to do even more! Go over and visit them...sponsor 100's of kids!

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?

My friend gave me a framed watercolor sign that her daughters' friend made for me because she said I was a "soul changer." I've never had such a beautiful compliment. I would run in and grab that!

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?

I would choose my Grandma Madonna. I really miss her. She and I spent so much time playing cards, watching game shows and she would write me letters. We had a really special connection. I would just love to sit and spend some time with her today.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Don't focus on numbers. Focus on lives touched.

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20?

Don't believe that there is pressure coming at you from other people. That pressure is coming from you. It is not necessary. You can surrender. Just love and live.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?

She was love. She sounded like love. She looked like love. She spread love. And all that love made all the difference in the world.

***

If you enjoyed today's episode, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on iTunes and anywhere you get your podcasts! You'll be the first to know when a new episode is available AND you will help grow our LIVE INSPIRED Movement. 

I can't wait to see you here next Thursday! Until then, remember: Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Keah Brown, the journalist behind the viral #DisabledandCute, exudes pride, confidence, and humor – but that’s not always been the case. 

Through years of introspect, Keah has learned to celebrate her cerebral palsy and strives to bring awareness to the struggles and triumphs of persons with disabilities. Her new book The Pretty One explores her journey to self-love and what it means for you.

This candid conversation explores how to better accept, love, and empower ourselves and each other.

SHOW NOTES:

• During her adolescence, others began calling attention to Keah's disability, leading her to believe it as negative.
• Keah has reformed a friendship with her non-disabled twin sister Leah after a season of resentment in high school. 
• Keah put the view of her self in the hands of others.
• "Insecurity is often the catalyst that sparks the most judgment."
• Every day, Keah would remind herself four things that she loved about herself allowing her to accept + love herself.
• #DisabledAndCute: To celebrate her self-love, Keah posted 4 photos she loved of herself on Twitter that led to a viral campaign.
• Oscar-winning actress Brie Larson personally requested Keah to write her Marie Claire cover story. Read the article here.
• "When you treat having a child with disabilities as the worst possibility in the world of having a child, that means you treat all of us adult with disabilities that we are the worst outcome."
• Keah sees strength as beyond physical assertions and includes survival + vulnerability.
• Get Keah Brown's The Pretty One here.

If you enjoyed today's episode, you'll love hearing from Live Inspired Podcast guests Ben + Amy Wright, owners of Bitty & Beau’s Coffee which proudly employing people with disabilities. Listen to Ben + Amy on ep. 85 here.

KEAH BROWN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Wedding Date by Jasmine Guillory.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Fearlessness.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Photo of my grandma.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Oprah Winfrey and ask “what it means to have an impact and influence on millions of people around the world?”

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Keep going even when it feels like there is no point to it. Push through the fear and exhaustion to make sure you’re doing the things that you love and that matter to you.

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Girl, you’re going to look back on this time and laugh fondly at yourself. You think you have everything figured out. Relax and don’t be so hard on yourself.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? Keah Brown changed the world but first, she had to change herself by choosing love in the face of kinds of things.

***

Did you enjoy today's episode? Subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts!

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Amanda Gore is a global teacher of joy and one of only four Australians inducted into the Speaker Hall of Fame.

As one of the most admired speakers, Amanda's action-packed presentations are rooted in science-based tools to equip others to better handle change and create deep, lasting relationships with customers, colleagues and families.

Today Amanda joins us for a thought-provoking conversation about addressing our core fears, discovering who we are at our essence and her own personal journey in embracing stillness to better understand her authentic self.

SHOW NOTES:

• At the start of Covid, Amanda credits the work of Dr. David Martin that led her to dive deeply into her essence. Learn more about Dr. Martin’s work here.
• Core fears: I’m not good enough or I’m not worth loving. I’m unsafe in some way. Fear of separation.
• “As a toddler, I told myself I was responsible for my mother’s happiness.”
• True north question: Am I being the person I want to be in this moment?
• “We teach best what we need to learn.”
• As Amanda is focusing on the small steps to feel all ranges of emotion, she’s learning the value in stillness.
• Sparkly bits: How is our nonverbal communication being perceived by those around us.
• From Tom Kenyon’s The Great Human Potential, Amanda asks herself: What is it that I, as a being, am learning from this experience?
• I’m not driving myself to achieve. I’m opening my heart and now choosing to dive deeply into who I really am.
• Get a copy of Amanda Gore's book Joy is an Inside Job here.

AMANDA GORE'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. Q. What is the best book you’ve ever read?
   A. Lizards Eat Butterflies by David Martin.
2. Q. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today?
   A. Kindness.
3. Q. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?
   A. They’re just things. Maybe photos or books but it’s the feeling of sanctuary of my home I’d miss.
4. Q. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? 
   A. Dr. David Martin
5. Q. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? 
   A. What, as a being, am I learning from this experience? Am I being the person I want to be in this moment?
6. Q. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? 
   A. Learn how to return to your core essence of love + connection and enjoy the great range of experiences.
7. Q. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? 
   A. She tried really hard and learned a lot.

Today we have on our show Pulitzer Nominated author of 25 books Don Yaeger.

From Walter Payton - one of the most prolific running backs in the history of the NFL - who wanted his book to NOT be about football, but about leaving a legacy as an organ donor…

To John Wooden, who many consider the greatest coach of all time as he led the UCLA Men’s basketball team to 10 national championships in 12 years.

You are going to hear amazing examples of individuals living inspired through Don’s LIBRARY of books he’s written and subsequently, friends he’s made. He'll also share about the lessons he’s learned as a business owner, son of a preacher, husband and father.

My Key Takeaways: 

• You'll never out perform your inner circle. Surround yourself with excellence and that's what you'll become.
• "Make it your goal to have every person be better for having spent time with you."
• Be present because tomorrow is promised to no one.
• Write your spouse a love letter often - because you can.
• In relationships we often look for things that drive us crazy. Instead, look for things you LOVE. It will change the way you relate to each other.
• Order Don's book, the biography of "the best coach of all time" John Wooden, A Game Plan for Life
• Get a free chapter from Don's newest book Great Teams: 16 Things High Performing Organizations Do Differently

The LIVE INSPIRED 7 segment is a series of 7 questions, shared “rapid fire” and answered boldly (without prep!) by our guests. My hope is to leave you reflecting on our guest’s answers and YOUR answers… and excited to apply ideas from today’s show to help you live an inspired life.

Don Yaeger's Live Inspired 7 

1. What is the best book you ever read?

I don't read much fiction, but Nicholas Sparks wrote The Notebook and I've read it over and over again. My mom suffered from Alzheimer's. He is such a gifted wordsmith.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do?

I wouldn't stop working that's for sure. I'm on the national board for Make-A-Wish, so I'd help grant lots of wishes.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?

It's a picture of my wife and I from our wedding day; the outside part of the frame was signed by all of our wedding guests.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?

One more conversation with John Wood. I just loved being in his presence. The last time I saw him I said "Every time I leave you I feel like a better man than when I arrived." "John looked me and said: Don, I hope you make that your standard."

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

If you want to be better, always improve you inner circle.

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20?

Slow down. I wanted everything way too fast for way too long.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?

He inspired many by telling the stories of others.

***

If you enjoyed today's episode, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on iTunes and anywhere you get your podcasts! You'll be the first to know when a new episode is available AND you will help grow our LIVE INSPIRED Movement. 

I can't wait to see you here next Thursday! Until then, remember: Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Mondays in November, I'm releasing a special, Ask John episode. During this season of gratitude, I thought it would be a fun way to say thank you, answer your questions + shine a light on YOU, our wonderful Live Inspired Community members.

Today's question was submitted by Mary from Missouri. She finds the podcast to be counter cultural and that it is good news in a negative news culture. Her favorite episode was with Sue McCollum, a strong woman sharing strong ideas of overcoming and doing great things.

Mary's main takeaway from the show is that her experience and circumstances do not define her.

Mary asked: How do you stay energized, committed + motivated with all of the different areas of your life pulling you in different directions?

Tune in for my answer!

***

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe, rate & review on iTunes or wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday (and Monday during November!)!

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Get a John's #1 National Best-selling book ON FIRE here (use code podcast at checkout for 15% off).

“Parents are so much more worried today then they were 35 years ago. They so desperately want to be ‘good parents’ that they’re exhausting important energy on stuff that doesn’t matter.”

This is a quote from today’s guest, Meg Meeker, MD. Meg is a pediatrician, author, parent, wife, grandmother and business owner. Her goal is to diffuse fear-based parenting. 

I shared the stage with Meg at the Dave Ramsey SMART Conference and fell in love with her message around her book Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters. 

I selfishly invited her on the show to grow as a father myself and help you in your journey as a parent, too. Meg’s insights are great for parents, but relate to all of us as aunts, uncles, sons and daughters, too.

Subscribe & listen on iTunes, Stitcher, Google Play or my website.

MY MAIN TAKEAWAYS:

• 3 Ways to Shift from Fear-Based Parenting
  
  
  1. Shift your perspective of yourself in your kids eyes. If a child is with you, he doesn’t want anything other than knowing that you like being with him. Stop worrying about what he’s eating for dinner and just focus on him.
     
  2. Make an exhaustive list of ALL the things you worry about with your kids. Then tell yourself “Let go of all of it! Today I’m just going to communicate that I like being with him.” Then do it again the next day. Watch, your whole relationship will change.
     
  3. Schedule your child less. Everyone says their life is too busy, but who makes it so? Are you willing to surrender time with your child for them to be in an activity that they’ll only be involved in for a few years? A child’s character is developed when he’s face to face with mom and dad. That time is important. Also, the remedy for your child acting out is MORE time with you. It all goes back to: Don’t schedule them so much.
     
• A tip about getting to 35 years of marriage? We refused to quit. Once we determined that we were that committed, then you could just wait “it” out.
  
• No matter our age, we all struggle with self-esteem. Hearing positive feedback from our parents as adults is still comforting.
  
• Make parenting simpler: Love your kids and do the best you can. Letting your young kids know you want their company is important. We think kids need other kids and peers. They don’t. They need you.
  
• Real joy comes from time spent at home working through life with your family. Life in a family unit is messy, working through the messiness together is how the joy comes.
  
• Don’t assume that just because your peers are doing something, that it has to be so. Set the bar higher for your child. They can have a better life than they currently do (in regards to technology, etc.). Two ways to do this:
  
• Find two times a month to schedule yourself to stay home and spend time as a family. The first week might be terrible, but by the fourth one, it will be great.
  
• Declare one hour in the evening as electronic free. Kids are feeling ignored because parents are on cell phones. Parents are having a hard time because kids aren’t paying attention due to their relationship with technology. Pick one hour each evening (or 3 nights wkly to start) with no tech. For this to work, everyone in your house must follow the rule. 
  
• One piece of advice for fathers to “be heroes”? Recognize you already have the cape (because your kid has put it on you!). You don’t need to get a bigger house or get a pool in the backyard. You just need to maintain. Shift your perspective, you are already a hero in your kids life. (Note: this is what your kid is looking for in a hero, and it’s well within your grasp, be: available, engaged, have his back, and protect him.)

MEG MEEKER, MD’S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read?

Celebration of the Disciplines by Richard Foster. My main takeaway was to simplify and focus on the important stuff.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do?

I would give 99% of it away to World Vision and The Medical Institute for Sexual Health. My needs are met, I don’t need more. Having too much would just complicate my life.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?

I would grab a photo of my parents; they are no longer alive and I don’t trust my memory to keep a clear picture.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?

Jesus. I would love to talk to Jesus, have him clear up some unanswered questions I have about pain in the world. I would also want to tell him thank you.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received?

Reduce your expectations. They are what cause us misery. the more we can accept what is and who people are and love people for who people are today, the freer we really are to to live and to love.

 6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20?

Keep focused on God’s plan for your life, not YOUR plan for you life because you are self-centered.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?

She loved him well. First God. Second, my husband. If after I die this can be said, then my life has been good.

***

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate and review (grow the Live Inspired. movement) this podcast anywhere you get your podcasts.

I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John everyday on Facebook & Twitter and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

In our society today, it seems as if every topic immediately polarizes, fragments us and quickly leads to rigidly drawn lines between two opposing sides. Those on our perceived side are right, they’re our allies, the good guys.

And those on the other side?

They’re just wrong. They are to be pitied for their unawareness, canceled for their ignorance or attacked for their stupidity.

So, what will be the result of this elevating anger? What happens as our media complicity sows seeds of outrage each day and our political leaders jam a larger wedge into society?

What are the consequences if we choose to continue down the hostile, divisive path we’re on?

Are you discontent even though everyone around you thinks you “have it all?”

Lloyd Reeb, founding partner of Halftime Institute, is on a mission to help you ensure your next season in life is defined by joy, impact, and balance.

Today, Lloyd will remind us of the importance of not just doing what is valuable, but doing what is priceless. Regardless of your age or what you can bring to the marketplace, Lloyd will encourage you to get clear, get free and get going.

SHOW NOTES:

• How can your second-half be even more impactful, fun and joyful than the first half was?
• At 14-years-old, Lloyd's father helped him purchased a few acres of land, charging interest which taught him values.
• “What do I need to do to pass down the values of generosity, honesty, and hard work before passing the monies down.”
• A successful building developer inadvertently taught him the importance of significance beyond success.
• The exposure to what was happening around the world inspired Lloyd to serve or give back to others.
• Lloyd was introduced to Bob Buford, author of best-selling book Halftime. Because they naturally bracketed the movement of people wanting to renew themselves at mid-life, they created The Halftime Institute.
• “Sloppy busy”: Your calendar is full but you have a nagging lack of focus and leverage that you had in your career.
• Resist the temptation to start working on the solution and take the time to think through your core strengths.
• Gallup's Strengths Finder 2.0 played an important role in their children being heard. Get a copy or each other's strengths like I did with my family.
• Halftime is a remedy, not a strategy: Think about who you are and then the work you’ve been given.
• Don’t just jump in and get “sloppy busy.” Take time to reflect on who you are and the best place you can give back. Ask yourself:
  • When was I at my best?
  • What was the most painful experience in my life and what did I learn from it? Very often our pain from the past calls out a path for our future.
  • Think about who you are and not the work.
• Valuable vs. priceless: On one side of the paper, write a list of all the valuable things your life. On the other side, write the priceless things. What are you doing to protect the valuable versus priceless things?
• The Halftime Institute: University for the second half of life, a place where people blessed with success, begin to explore how to make the second half even richer + fulfilling than the first half.
• Have a healthy mid-life renewal: Get clear, get free, get going.
• Intentionality: Lloyd strives to help other leaders be more intentional in not only how they give their time away but also building a world-class family. 

If you enjoyed hearing how Lloyd is moving from success to significance, you'll love hearing Live Inspired Podcast guest Jill Blashack Strahan share how she created a successful business during a tragic season in her life on ep. 18. You'll also love hearing Live Inspired Podcast guest + graffiti artist Erik Wahl share how the dot-com bust in 2000 led him to reevaluate his life on ep. 80.

LLOYD REEB'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Bible and Ordering Your Private World by Gordon McDonald.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Curiosity.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? I have seven “Book of Days”. Every day, I keep an artifact of someone’s life that I’ve affected, touched or helped.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Historian David McCullough.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My mom taught me it’s better to give than to get.

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Marry Linda Walker. She's taught me relentless forgiveness.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? 100x: I’d like to take what I’ve been given and invest it so it produces 100 times that blessing or impact in other people’s lives.

***

Did you enjoy today's episode? Subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts!

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Tom Logan and the Marion Medical Mission built 2,835 wells in rural Africa in 2017. Each well costs $400. Similar organizations need 10 times as much to produce the same results. How do they do it? "We provide the boots with the straps."

Learn how Tom's program empowers Africans to develop the skills needed to maintain their wells and the health of their rural community. Get ideas on how to serve others + see how doing so will lead you to a more inspired life.

SHOW NOTES:

• As a society we spend a lot of time talking about what is wrong. Tom Logan spends all of his time working on solutions.
• Learn more about Tom Logan's mentor; whom he called "the Mother Teresa of the time," Albert Schweitzer.
• "Sustainable drinking water" means that once a well is in, the local people can maintain it without any outside help.
• Being involved in the impossible is extraordinary. It drives me.
• Learn more about Marion Medical Mission.
• See the photo John mentions of a smiling man digging a well.
• Tom references this great video that share's John story.
• Since 1985, 100% of donations to Marion Medical Mission goes to its designated purpose; no overhead cost. Donate here.
• If we share what we have, there's more than enough.

If you liked this episode and Tom's knack for making the impossible possible - you'll love episode #94 with Mick Ebeling from "Impossible Labs." Listen here.

TOM LOGAN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Tony Campello, several of his books. My favorite quote from him:"What is the point of tiptoeing through life? So you arrive at death safely?" 

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Having refugees in our home and learning from their different culture.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Picture albums.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Jesus. How can I keep my fear from becoming hate. I've told you. I've showed you. The answer is there.

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? Best advice was from my mom. "If you want it bad enough, you can do it."

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't forget to love.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? He provided the boots that had the straps.

***

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe, rate & review wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday!

Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

If you like this podcast, you will love Live Inspired IN STUDIO. It's my membership community where like-minded friends join me via live webcast to live inspired together. Registration opens soon! Join the waitlist.

I am honored to welcome one of the most successful gospel singers of all time, Mrs. Erica Campbell, onto the show. Her achievements, voice, sense of self and faith are profound. Yet it’s her story, first finding her angelic voice at the age of five at church in an impoverished California neighborhood, that will blow you away.

Erica is part of the hit group Mary Mary, solo artist, wife, mother, Christian and as of very recently, author. In our conversation, Erica radiates positivity, hope + optimism – and it’s infectious. You can’t listen to this episode and not live inspired.

SHOW NOTES

• Falling in love with Jesus allowed her to understand the importance + meaning of the word “love”.
• Tough love: Erica's father prepared her for the harshness of the entertainment industry.
• Erica was just six-years-old when her brother Andre Lovell Adkin, who had Downs syndrome, passed away.
• Erica began singing around 12 years old in church + with a group called The Young Annonited but stopped singing after forgetting the words at a big event.
• Mary Mary: After filling in for her sister's absent singing partner, Erica + Tina began singing together as Mary, Mary and earned four Grammys.
• "There are some things that have been said about me that are harsh. But when they said it, I didn’t lose my gift, my ability to sing."
• "Everyone can’t be #1. If I’m #5, I am going to cheer on #1 because I know my time is coming."
• Erica is proud to have her daughter Christa in featured on Grammy-winning track Help.
• Erica’s book More than Pretty was inspired by her inner-journey of finding herself.
• "You have to learn to find your own confidence."
• Erica met her now-husband Warryn Campbell when he was working at Death Row records with rappers Snoop Dogg and Tupac.
• "If you don’t have confidence in private, you will not have power in public."
• Get a copy of Erica Campbell's book More than Pretty here.

If Erica's positivity and optimism inspired you, you'll love hearing from Journey's Jonathan Cain. Jonathan shares about his life, his inspiration behind the song Don’t Stop Believin’ and so much more. Listen to Jonathan on Live Inspired Podcast ep. 100.

ERICA CAMPBELL'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? God is Able by Priscilla Shirer.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? I think I still have it! It’s the ability to be optimistic.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? The picture books of my kids.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? My daddy and I would tell him, “I was listening,” and that his words hit my heart and I’m doing my best to carry out everything that he taught me.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My mother said, “you can live anything down.”

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Erica, you are going to be amazing. Just don’t quit. Don’t let self-esteem take you down. Don’t make poor body image make you hide in the dark. Don’t think that there is always somebody better than you. Stay focused. Don’t take people personally. Don’t hold grudges. Forgive easy and quickly. Love fiercely.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? She loved God and she loved people.

***

Did you enjoy today's episode? Share it with your friends! Then subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts.

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

"I go to bed feeling grateful and I wake up grateful." 

Mike Mattingly is living life in reverse, and he couldn't be happier about it. Though he has always had a passion for music, it's never been his full-time gig. He plans to change that, though. Like the message in his song Growth, Peace & Gratitude, Mike continues to develop and change, experience life's ups and downs and with acceptance, find peace.

Music has been a form of therapy for him. He was a self-described nervous child who battled anxiety. His mother introduced him to drums and through percussion, he found a sense of balance and peace.

Mike and I are great friends. He has played at my Christmas party for the last 5 years. Last year, I hosted an event at the Sheldon Concert Hall in St. Louis and asked Mike to play there as well. In short, I like Mike a lot.

Today, Mike joins us to share his experiences with anxiety, play some of his music for us, and offer advice on reinventing yourself at any age. 

SHOW NOTES: 

• Mike started playing the drums in the 5th grade. His parents placed his and his brother's drum sets in the living room of their house and never once asked them not to play. 
• Unlike most musicians, it never really dawned on Mike to be "Johnny Rockstar." He just loved the songwriting process and sharing his songs with people. 
• He was a tennis pro and playing music 4 to 5 times a week. So, playing until 2 in the morning and up at 8 to teach people how to play tennis. It was not great for his health and anxiety. 
• His song: Growth, Peace, & Gratitude is about growing and changing, even when it isn't always fun. Mike's message is once you accept the challenges you find yourself at peace. 
• The same year his mother passed away, Mike's father was diagnosed with cancer. Towards the end of his father's life, Mike became his caregiver. Mike shared that his father was always in a great mood and was "the greatest guy I ever met."
• He met his wife in the 3rd grade. He describes her as "really smart, an artist, with cat-like eyes." He asked her out at 15. 
• You can listen to Mike's music for free on his website: mikemattinglymusic.com or iTunes. 

MIKE MATTINGLY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Besides ON FIRE by John O'Leary? The Power of Now & A New Earth both are by Eckhart Tolle.

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it? Pay off all debt, pay off my house, and take care of my family and friends. 

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? All our DVDs and pictures. Perhaps my guitar "Marty" as well.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? My mom and dad. As far as a famous person, Prince. 

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My dad would always say, "right is right."

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? Everything is sound.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?  Growth, Peace & Gratitude.

*** 

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

"We see the world as we think it is. Not as it really is. Wear glasses that work."

Todd Davis has spent 20+ years "looking for the right people." As Chief People Officer at FranklinCovey, a training company, he is an expert at identifying how human behaviors impact our life, our work and our output. His new book, Get Better: 15 Proven Practices to Build Effective Relationships at Work shares that the key to improving our effectiveness is found in improving our behaviors.

Todd's insights shine a light on the truth that an organization's greatest assets are undoubtedly its people and remind us that leadership is a decision, not a position. 

This conversation is a journey in self-awareness. Join Todd and me for a great conversation and practical ways to fine-tune your behaviors so that you can live and work inspired.

SHOW NOTES: 

• Todd has worked for FranklinCovey, the award-winning training company started by the bestselling author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change, Stephen R. Covey for over 20 years.
• We discuss the book he authored with FranklinCovey, Get Better:15 Proven Practices to Build Effective Relationships at Work.
• Todd shares how his childhood has shaped him-a middle child from Utah, self-described peacemaker and son of a set designer and actress. 
• Todd never imagined that he'd write a book. It was "a labor of love" that took him two years and was inspired by The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Powerful Lessons in Personal Change and The Leader in Me.
• Don't miss Todd walking us through one chapter of his book: Make It Safe to Tell the Truth. He'll share why these four steps are necessary: 1. Assume good intent. 2. Ask for Feedback. 3. Evaluate the feedback. 4. Act on it.

TODD DAVIS'S LIVE INSPIRED 7 

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Where the Red Fern Grows when I was a kid. Two others: The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell and The Linchpin by Seth Godin. 

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do with it?  I would take it all down to Puerto Rico right now and help out.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Many years ago I would say pictures. On Christmas, our family spends an hour or two writing letters to each other before opening presents. I'd grab those. 

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?  Mother Theresa and Gandhi. 

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? 

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20? To believe in myself.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? He who dies with the most meaningful relationships wins.  

*** 

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe (automatically get new episodes), rate & review (help spread the word!) this podcast wherever you get your podcasts.

I can’t wait to see you here next Thursday! Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

Addiction and cancer threatened her life, but grace and endurance gave it back to her.

In a world where the media frequently loves to buy, sell, trade and speak in fear, Teri Griege realizes and honors that the human spirit is powered by hope and starved for inspiration.

She has made it her life's work to be a pillar of hope and she has already done so by being: an iron man, author, triathlete, cancer survivor and sober for more than 20 years.

From our time with Teri, you will be reminded that life is full of good people. Appearances are deceiving. Belief in self matters. Odds are over rated. "God winks" exist.

• God wink - [n.] a phrase Teri coined meaning, inspired moments in which God aligns your life in ways you could never imagine.
• Get your copy of Teri's book Powered by Hope here.
• See Teri's inspiring journey to Ironman Hawaii on this video.
• Check out Teri's nonprofit Powered by Hope.

The LIVE INSPIRED 7 segment is a series of 7 questions, shared "rapid fire" and answered boldly (without prep!) by our guests. My hope is to leave you reflecting on our guest's answers and YOUR answers... and excited to apply ideas from today's show to help you live an inspired life. 

Teri Griege's Live Inspired 7

1. What is the best book you ever read?

Your book! John O’Leary’s book: ON FIRE: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life 

2. Tomorrow you discover your wealthy uncle shockingly dies at the age of 103; leaving you millions. What would you do?

I would take care of my family and give it to my charity - Powered by Hope; and so many other charities. I never want to say no! There are so many people doing good out there. 

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?

My bible. 

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be?

Grandma Ida. She was the most giving, strong, kind individual. She died at 102. She died six months short of living in three centuries. Amazing woman.

5. What is the best advice you've ever received?

Take it one day at a time. 

6. Looking back, what advice would you give yourself at age 20?

Everything is going to be okay. 

7. It's been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read?

She left the world a better place.

***

If you enjoyed today's episode, subscribe, rate and review this podcast on iTunes and anywhere you get your podcasts! You'll be the first to know when a new episode is available AND you will help me spread the word about our LIVE INSPIRED Movement. 

I can't wait to see you here next Thursday! Until then, remember: Today is your day. Live Inspired.

Does having the world at your fingertips 24/7 ever feel overwhelming?

Do you ever find yourself mindlessly scrolling through social media, only to be left feeling anxious, frustrated and unproductive?

Today, Tiffany Shlain, bestselling author of 24/6 and founder of the Webby Awards, shares her expertise on how to enjoy + leverage technology by first setting healthy boundaries with it! (After hearing the results of her brilliant tips, my entire team has adopted it!) 

For more than a decade, Tiffany and her family have practiced a "tech Sabbath" and today's conversation is packed with actionable tips that will help you reset + rebalance. If you find yourself connecting via technology more than ever during the pandemic… this episode is for you. 😉

SHOW NOTES:

• In response to her favorite question, "What are you passionate about?", Tiffany said she's interested in inspiring, informing, educating and lifting others to a higher place.
• Moments of crisis can be incredible opportunities to rethink and make changes in your life.
• Her father's love + attention helped develop Tiffany's confidence and she credits him with teaching her how to be present + live in the moment.
• Intentionally taking a weekly day of rest is Tiffany's rhythm and framework to living a good life. 
• Tiffany shares how setting boundaries with technology during her morning routine + during dinner has been profoundly important. 
• As a mother of two daughters, Tiffany finds that boundaries with techology have taught them how to entertain themselves and quiet the outside noise.
• "Be careful + intentional with who and what you let into your brain + give your brain breaks."
• To help maintain her daughter's childhoods, Tiffany took the Wait Until 8th pledge which delays providing a smart phone until they're in 8th grade. Learn more about the Wait Until 8th pledge here.
• Get more tips + resources on taking a disconnecting from technology at TiffanyShlain.com and at 24sixlife.com.
• Get a copy of Tiffany Shlain's bestselling book 24/6.

TIFFANY SHLAIN'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Enthusiasm, which I still have a lot of today. I used to laugh a lot more as a child.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Photo albums and my dad's watch.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? My dad.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My mom taught me to enjoy the process.

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Be patient. 

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? Turn off screens one day every week to enjoy life to the fullest. 

***

About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies.

***

My new book IN AWE is now available… and became an instant bestseller! Learn how to rediscover your childlike sense of wonder to unleash inspiration, meaning and joy. Visit ReadInAwe.com today! 

Once a month this year, we’re celebrating individuals who are grateful for all they have, joyful in all they do, and positively changing the world one life at a time in our On Fire For Good campaign. Many of those nominated this month were dutiful, soft-spoken, and rule-following. The one we chose, however, was not.

Now, if you didn’t peg a 77-year-old Catholic nun and Army Lieutenant Colonel as a rule-breaking, noisemaking, trouble-finding type of person, you haven’t met Sister Doris Jo Rak. Let me explain.

“Who’s your favorite?”

Several years ago my boys asked me this question while I was driving them to school. They were talking about superheroes and sharing their favorites. The boys shared names like Green Lantern, Batman and a little rodent with a big mouth named Rocket Raccoon (don’t ask!).

After sharing that mine was Superman, I was stunned to learn that the fellas had reached the ripe old ages of 7, 9 and 11 without watching this classic.

That evening, we made popcorn and watched the movie as a family. The kids loved it – and him. Afterwards, they were all humming the Superman theme song as they flew down the hall toward their rooms.

While watching the movie, I realized that Superman wasn’t just showing me how to fight crime in a fictional world, but how to parent, serve and lead in the one in which we live. Here are four lessons from Superman for parents (interchange “parents’ with friends, spouses, leaders) that apply to us all.

Join me every Monday for a quick burst of inspiration on our “Monday Moment” segment.

Today's question was submitted by Live Inspired community member Carol. 

Carol asked: What keeps you grounded?

I have a few key phrases that remind me of what is important — and what isn’t. 

• I love you… and there is nothing you can do about it.
• Thank you.
• This too shall pass.

Tune in to hear how these phrases inspire me.

If you have questions or want to share how the Live Inspired Podcast has impacted your life, send them to me and my team at podcast@johnolearyinspires.com. Can't wait to hear from you!

***

Did you enjoy this episode? Subscribe, rate & review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts.

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram+ get his Monday Motivation email.

Officer Mike Flamion was a nine-year law enforcement veteran when a routine traffic stop changed the trajectory of his life forever.

Through their unwavering love, hope and spirit, Mike and his wife Sarah share how they've embraced a new normal + find joy and adventure in every day.

Today's conversation will show you that in the midst of the storm, you can choose to dance.

SHOW NOTES:

• July 8, 2016: While making a traffic stop, Mike was shot from behind leaving him paralyzed.
• Mike miraculously survived thanks to the quick thinking of others immediately after the incident. 
• There weren't any lonely nights: Prayer, family, friends and the support from law enforcement gave the Flamions comfort.
• Gary Sinise Foundation:
  • St. Louis businessman Jim Shubert is on the Board of Directors at the Gary Sinise Foundation. After Jim's wife learned of the incident, he jumped at the chance to help the Flamions.
  • In 2017, the Gary Sinise Foundation built the Flamions a state-of-the-art smart home that provides Mike some independence.
  • On Live Inspired Podcast ep. 128, Gary Sinise shares about his support for those who sacrifice on our behalf. Listen to ep. 128 here.
• Physically, Mike still suffers from nerve pain and emotionally it bothers him to rely so much on Sarah, but he has hopes that one day he will be able to dance with Sarah again.
• Although things have changed, what attracted them to each other hasn't: their personalities and sense of humor are still intact.
• The Flamions continue to live life to the fullest by sharing their story to remind other's in similar situations that just because you were hurt, doesn't mean you have to stop doing things (they just returned from a trip to Florida!).
  • Sarah feels they owe it those who supported to know how thankful they are. It's their support and those foundations have made their lives easier and they want them to know about how thankful they are.
• Backstoppers: an organization that provides needed financial assistance to the spouses and dependent children of all first responders who lose their lives or suffer a catastrophic injury in the line of duty in 18 counties in Missouri and Illinois. To learn more or donate, visit their website.
• What's the best thing that has come out of the "upside down" moment?
  • Sarah: We were moving into a dark time for law enforcement. After this happened, and the community showed such great support, it showed the officers they were appreciated. 
  • Mike: Pushed me to see how mentally strong I was to deal with it. It made me realize that I can still go on.

Live Inspired Podcast guest Janine Shepard was an Olympic-bound skier before her life-altering accident. Like Mike, Janine too has found a deeper purpose and learned to embrace new possibilities. Meet Janine + hear her story on ep. 53.

Live Inspired Podcast guest Christine Caine is a survivor of both sexual abuse and cancer. At 32, she found out she was adopted. She shares how she let go of her history to step into her destiny. Listen to Christine on ep. 82.

OFFICER MIKE AND SARAH FLAMION'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Sarah: Since Mike's injury Why Forgive by Johann Christoph Arnold.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Sarah: In general, faith and trust come easy to kids. Mike: As a kid, it was easy to hold someone close to you. When you work in law enforcement it's hard to break that barrier. 

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Mike: Engagement picture or the cross we bought on vacation.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Mike: A military member that has passed away and tell them how much I appreciate what they've done.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Sarah: My cousin Shelly, shared a lot of marriage and relationship advice like the importance of communication and how loving each other will get us through life's tough times. 

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Mike: Have fun. Enjoy life because things change.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? Sarah: They kept pushing forward. Mike: Look at us now. We're still having fun.

***

Did you enjoy today's episode? Subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts!

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Dr. Philip Fidler is a trauma and burn surgeon who has dedicated his life to healing others. From humble beginnings to becoming a pioneering force in burn care, Philip’s story is a testament to the power of mentorship, the importance of joy in healing, and the profound impact one person can have on countless lives.

Today, Philip shares how one pivotal conversation set him on the path to medicine. He also shares how his innovative approach to patient care—including founding the REACH Burn Foundation—is changing lives far beyond the operating room, from providing adaptive sports experiences to supporting international medical missions.

My friends, if you want to hear how, with heart and humility, we can turn life’s greatest challenges into opportunities for growth, this episode is for you.

Comic Adam Cayton-Holland's book Tragedy + Time is a tragi-comic memoir about his sister's death as a result of suicide. It was released just in time for Suicide Prevention Awareness month, September 2018.

Adam took pause in his favorite Denver park to join us for this personal conversation. Adam shares about life, family, comedy, anxiety and how his book helped him process losing his sister. Listen to live inspired and bring mental health into the light.  

SHOW NOTES:

• Adam's book Tragedy + Time is a tragic story with moments of great joy, laughter, love + redemption. Warning, there are quite a few cuss words.
• Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is September. Join the conversation, get involved + support at Suicide Prevention Lifeline or National Alliance on Mental Health. 
• Goal of his book was to show that even in an idyllic family, mental illness can rear its head and take a family member.
• "I felt stuff strongly." Adam Cayton-Holland on growing up with anxiety.
• Getting his start in comedy, Adam did stand up in secret for 6 months. When he finally invited his friends, he bombed + had to figure out how to get back up on stage after bombing.
• It's a a scary thing. Mental illness can come snatch a person away. When you have this one idea of life and then what truly matters is [taken from you] it is shocking, it is like the whole access of your being shifts.
• "People work on their physical health and we pat them on the back. It should be the same for people working on their mental health. We should say, "Hey good for you! Going to a therapist... Bring it into the light. You don't have to be ashamed of feeling it or your family member who is feeling it." 

Continue the Suicide Prevention Awareness conversation with Ep. #46. Guest Dennis Gillan share how he's committed his life to reducing the number of completed suicides + removing the stigma around mental health after losing his own two brothers to suicide.

If you like this podcast, you will love Live Inspired IN STUDIO.It's my membership community where like-minded friends join me via live webcast to live inspired together. Registration opens soon! Join the waitlist.

ADAM CAYTON-HOLLAND'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Sometimes a Great Notion, by Ken Kesey who wrote One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. It's beautifully written.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Empathy. I've put up walls. We need pure empathy for everyone, we button ourselves up in our world. I need to do better.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Lydia. I'd say 'I miss ya. I miss the hell out of you.'

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? A beloved family friend died when we were young and my Dad tried to explain to us how to deal with grief. He showed us pictures of comets and black holes and just turned the pages, sitting with us kids and said 'Isn't this amazing. We don't know why any of this exists or what it means and we get to live in all of it.' That is my religion right there. I am not an atheist, I am agnostic. I'm a seeker.

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Don't take yourself so seriously. You are going to be alright.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? He died as he lived, with humor.

***

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Subscribe, rate & review wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday!

Live Inspired with John every day on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram and get his Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning

If you like this podcast, you will love Live Inspired IN STUDIO. It's my membership community where like-minded friends join me via live webcast to live inspired together. Registration opens soon! Join the waitlist.

We've all heard laughter is the best medicine, and according to Forbes, laughing has science-based benefits that stimulate healing, strengthen relationships and promote brain activity.

As we're facing headwinds of divisiveness, negative headlines and mounting stress, comedian Trey Kennedy brings some much-needed reprieve.

You may be familiar with his tasteful humor + poignant parodies like “couples during quarantine”, “millennials at a hardware store” and “moms pre-pandemic” that have earned tens of millions of video views. Making some of today’s struggles relatable + humorous, Trey reminds us not to take ourselves so seriously that we cannot find joy in the moment.

Today’s episode is sure to uplift as Trey shares how his career exploded as a social media sensation, what inspires his humor and his pride in delivering clean laughter that can be enjoyed by all.

SHOW NOTES:

• Sometimes shy + reserved, Trey has gained confidence through his humor.
• Getting his start on the now-defunct video-based social media app Vine, Trey has spent a decade creating content for over eight million online followers. 
• After going "viral", Trey was turned down for numerous social media + marketing positions, inspiring him to focus on his own brand.
• John 3:30: He must increase, but I must decrease.
• Do less. God bless. In his personal + professional life, Trey prioritizes quality over quantity.
• Watch some of Trey's most recognized videos:
  • Couples during quarantine
  • Girls be like...
  • Millennials at a hardware store
  • Moms pre-pandemic vs. post-pandemic
• Follow Trey Kennedy on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter + YouTube.
• Listen to Trey Kennedy's Correct Opinions and Do Less God Bless podcasts here.

TREY KENNEDY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Abba's Child by Brennan Manning.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Stressless joy.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? When I was 18 years old, my mom gifted me with journals she had been writing the details of my life.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? Professionally Steven Martin. Relationally Brennan Manning.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? My dad always told me to do my best and have fun.

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Believe in yourself + be confident.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? He was a guy who didn't seek his own glory. He just wanted to provide joy to those around him.

***

About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies. 

***

Pre-order your copy of IN AWE today to receive access to fun, interactive bonus features emailed to you in the lead-up to the book’s release! Visit ReadInAwe.com. 

***

Did you enjoy today's episode? Share it with your friends! Then subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts.

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

When we’ve experienced the sharp disappointment of being let down by others, when is the right time to accept what happened, embrace what is and move forward into what could be? Although debating exactly how long holding onto righteous anger is understandable, the example of Hiroo Onoda demonstrates the dangers of clutching it for too long.

What do we do with the sharp disappointment of being let down by others? When is the right time to accept what happened? And when is it appropriate to embrace what is and move forward into what could be?

It’s certainly easy to identify the ludicrous foolishness of a Japanese soldier fighting decades after the war had ended. It’s far more difficult, far more important and ultimately far more liberating to acknowledge there are battles in our own lives we no longer need to wage.

Mary Marantz would have been her family’s third generation of loggers in rural West Virginia; an impoverished life filled with days of hard, dangerous work. But, one choice Mary’s father made sparked a much different path for her: He used what little money he had to buy learning materials to prepare her for school as he saw education as her opportunity to lead a big, beautiful life of her choosing.

Mary joins us today – a Yale graduate and recent author of the book Dirt: Growing Strong Roots in What Makes the Broken Beautiful – sharing what it was like to grow up in a deteriorating, single-wide trailer and, more importantly, with a father who would sacrifice it all to ensure she had a bright future.
 
Today's conversation is beaming with resilience and hope and will inspire you to find comfort and appreciation in your roots.

SHOW NOTES:

• Giant tin can: Mary grew up in a deteriorating single-wide trailer with a leaky roof, mushrooms growing out of the carpet and missing floorboards.
• One part firecracker, one part sassafrass: Mary attributes her stubborn determination to her grandma Goldie who cinderblock by cinderblock singlehandedly took down a garage on their land.
• Mary was healed from a lifetime of hurt and estrangement by her mother while writing her book Dirt.
• Mary + her father had a complex relationship but he dreamt of her life beyond rural West Virginia. 
• Highlighting her once-shameful trailer and her father's calloused hands were symbolic and purposeful.
• While on the trajectory to follow in her family's logging footsteps, Mary instead became the first to attend college and went on to graduate from Yale Law School.
• The spark that changed a generation: At 4 years old, Mary's father wanted her prepared for kindergarten so he purchased homework books and encyclopedias on an installment plan.
• "I'm living proof that education and just one adult believing something better for you can change everything."
• Mary chose to honor her father's sacrifice by finding significance over success.
• Get a copy of Mary Marantz's book Dirt.
• Watch the MLB Network video when Mary refers to my story.

TIFFANY JENKINS' LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Ability to be free + happy.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be? Nothing, which is very defining because I worked so hard to have "stuff".

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? My grandma Goldie and ask about heaven.

5. What is the best advice you’ve ever received? Treat people like people.

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? Assume it works out so then you can enjoy the journey.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? Slow growth equals strong roots.

***

About our sponsor: Keeley Companies wholeheartedly believes that if you get the people right -the results will follow. They set themselves apart with a forward-thinking culture that empowers their people and fosters loyal partnerships. Keeley Companies are a proud sponsor, partner, and super fan of the Live Inspired Podcast. Learn more about Keeley Companies. 

***

Pre-order your copy of IN AWE today to receive access to fun, interactive bonus features emailed to you in the lead-up to the book’s release! Visit ReadInAwe.com. 

***

Did you enjoy today's episode? Share it with your friends! Then subscribe, rate + review on Apple Podcasts.

Live Inspired with John daily on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Instagram + get his Monday Motivation email.

Today, I share a story I don't often get to tell.

The story of my siblings and their heroic acts that saved my life 30 years ago. Even more relevant: the 3 things we do that allow us to remain close as we get older.

My friend, in honor of my parents 50th wedding anniversary, I'm sharing an intimate look at my family, what we've been through, what we've learned + what it might mean for you.

SHOW NOTES:

• As promised during this episode, here are a few past episodes on which we discussed depression and mental health:
  
  
  • Episode #46 with Dennis Gillan: Break down the stigma around mental health to better care for yourself, those you love + those in the wake of suicide. Dennis shares how mental health claimed the life of his brothers + what he's doing about it today.
  • Episode #73 with Sue Klebold: Sue is the mother of Dylan Klebold, a shooter at Columbine High School in 1999. You'll be amazed by how much you can relate to Sue, her family + her story. Sue shares ideas to better manage mental health so we don't have to step into her shoes. 
  • Episode #65 Mike Robbins: Mike was a pro athlete before an injury ended his career. Now, he's an author + speaker on emotional intelligence, teamwork + leadership for clients like Google, NBA + Harvard. Mike shares about his depression + the questions he asked to discover that healing is multi-layered: body, mind + heart.
    
    
• 3 Things the O'Leary siblings do to stay close:
  1. Communicate frequently. 
  2. Forgive promptly. 
  3. Their success is not your failure. 
     
• Live Inspired IN STUDIO is my membership community where like-minded friends join me via live webcast to live inspired together. Registration opens soon! Join the waitlist. 

***

If you enjoyed today’s episode: Please subscribe, rate & review wherever you get your podcasts. See you here next Thursday!

Live Inspired with me on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn, Instagram and get my Monday Motivation email: www.JohnOLearyInspires.com/Monday-Morning 

Get my #1 national best selling book ON FIRE, here.

For three decades, Parkinson’s disease has robbed my dad of his ability to work, type, write, drive, walk and speak... and yet every day he chooses gratitude.

Today, on World Parkinson’s Awareness Day and in honor of my dad and the millions of others impacted by Parkinson’s, I challenge you to make the choice to fill your heart with gratitude.

Learn more about the Live Inspired Podcast with John O'Leary at JohnOLearyInspires.com.

Klyn Elsbury has Cystic Fibrosis, a genetic condition that nearly claimed her life 5 years ago.

Today, Klyn is living her "second chance." Her close call with mortality has made her ever present to the gift in each moment + given her a unique ability to unearth happiness in every moment.

Join me and Klyn (live! we recorded this together on the road) as she walks you through four ways to find your happy right now.

SHOW NOTES

• It's always going to be different and tough. Get over it.
• I know I can control the moment and how I feel about the moment. I've come to terms with my disease and when you come to terms with it, then you can focus on what you can do in the moment.
• I decided if this is the end I am at least going to go out fighting.
• Your reminder of the miracle of life is the moment you wake up each morning. Make of it what you want.
• What can you control in the moment? What can you do? Find the power in that.

4 Ways to Find Your Happy Now:

1. Perceived control: Choose your thoughts + situations just like you choose the clothes out of your closet every morning.
2. Perceived progress: Set your goal and actually do something about it everyday. Don't wait for one day because one day never comes, okay?
3. Connectedness: Stop connecting to WiFi. Start connecting to each other. 
4. Vision or meaning: You've got your goals. Now, bring it to a bigger purpose.

• There are different types of happy:
  • Pleasure - getting flowers
  • Passion - when you are in "your flow"
  • Purpose - bigger cause
• Chase your purpose. Everything else will follow.
• Seeking your purpose? Don't just reflect ACT. MOVE. DO. 

Did you enjoy hearing John talk to a guest in person? Check out episode 1 with Brian Buffini. Or, episode 89 with Coach Kath Bresnahan. 

KLYN ELSBURY'S LIVE INSPIRED 7

1. What is the best book you’ve ever read? Compound Effect, Darin Hardy. My main takeaway: Where you are heading right now will continue to snow ball through your entire life. If you don't like the trajectory of the life in which you are heading, change it right now.

2. What is a characteristic or trait that you possessed as a child that you wish you still exhibited today? Owning your power, appreciating it and not being afraid to use it.

3. Your house is on fire, all living things and people are out. You have the opportunity to run in and grab one item. What would it be?  I'm not going back in. I don't care. I don't need of it. None of it matters.

4. You are sitting on a bench overlooking a gorgeous beach. You have the opportunity to have a long conversation with anyone living or dead. Who would it be? John O'Leary 2.0. Let's do it!

5. What is the best advice you've ever received? When someone loves you enough to tell you you are messing up so you can come out stronger on the other side. 

6. What advice would you give your 20-year-old self? You are more capable than you have any clue.

7. It’s been said that all great people can have their lives summed up in one sentence. How do you want yours to read? And she's still laughing.

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